Resist composition and method of forming resist pattern

ABSTRACT

A resist composition including a resin component having more than 30 mol % of a structural unit represented by formula (a0-1), and an acid generator represented by formula (b1) in which R 01  represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; Va 01  represents an alkylene group; Ra 01  represents an acid dissociable group; R b01  represents an cyclic hydrocarbon group; L b01  represents —O—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—; Y b01  represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; V b01  represents a fluorinated alkylene group; R b02  represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; provided that the total number of fluorine atoms contained in V b01  and R b02  is 2 or 3; and M m+  represents an m-valent organic cation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a resist composition and a method of forming a resist pattern.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-168205, filed Sep. 7, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

In lithography techniques, for example, a resist film composed of a resist material is formed on a substrate, and the resist film is subjected to selective exposure, followed by development, thereby forming a resist pattern having a predetermined shape on the resist film. A resist material in which the exposed portions of the resist film become soluble in a developing solution is called a positive-type, and a resist material in which the exposed portions of the resist film become insoluble in a developing solution is called a negative-type.

In recent years, in the production of semiconductor elements and liquid crystal display elements, advances in lithography techniques have led to rapid progress in the field of pattern miniaturization. Typically, these miniaturization techniques involve shortening the wavelength (increasing the energy) of the exposure light source. Conventionally, ultraviolet radiation typified by g-line and i-line radiation has been used, but nowadays KrF excimer lasers and ArF excimer lasers are used in mass production. Furthermore, research is also being conducted into lithography techniques that use an exposure light source having a wavelength shorter (energy higher) than these excimer lasers, such as electron beam (EB), extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV), and X ray.

Resist materials for use with these types of exposure light sources require lithography properties such as a high resolution capable of reproducing patterns of minute dimensions, and a high level of sensitivity to these types of exposure light sources.

As a resist material that satisfies these conditions, a chemically amplified composition is used, which includes a base material component that exhibits a changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid and an acid-generator component that generates acid upon exposure.

For example, in the case where the developing solution is an alkali developing solution (alkali developing process), a chemically amplified positive resist which contains, as a base component (base resin), a resin which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and an acid generator is typically used. If a resist film formed using such a resist composition is selectively exposed at the time of forming a resist pattern, in exposed areas, acid is generated from the acid generator component, and the polarity of the base resin increases by the action of the generated acid, thereby making the exposed areas of the resist film soluble in the alkali developing solution. Thus, by conducting alkali developing, the unexposed portions of the resist film remain to form a positive resist pattern.

On the other hand, when such a base resin is applied to a solvent developing process using a developing solution containing an organic solvent (organic developing solution), the solubility of the exposed portions in an organic developing solution is decreased. As a result, the unexposed portions of the resist film are dissolved and removed by the organic developing solution, and a negative resist pattern in which the exposed portions of the resist film are remaining is formed. Such a solvent developing process for forming a negative-tone resist composition is sometimes referred to as “negative-tone developing process”.

In general, the base resin used for a chemically amplified resist composition contains a plurality of structural units for improving lithography properties and the like.

For example, in the case of a resin composition which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution by the action of acid, a structural unit containing an acid decomposable group which is decomposed by the action of acid generated from an acid generator component and exhibits increased polarity. Further, a structural unit containing a lactone-containing cyclic group or a structural unit containing a polar group such as a hydroxy group is used in combination.

Further, in the formation of a resist pattern, the behavior of acid generated from the acid generator component upon exposure is one of the factors which has large influence on the lithography properties.

As the acid generator used in a chemically amplified resist composition, various kinds have been proposed. For example, onium salt acid generators such as iodonium salts and sulfonium salts; oxime sulfonate acid generators; diazomethane acid generators; nitrobenzylsulfonate acid generators; iminosulfonate acid generators; and disulfone acid generators are known.

As onium salt acid generators, those which have an onium ion such as triphenylsulfonium in the cation moiety are mainly used. Generally, as the anion moiety for onium salt acid generators, an alkylsulfonate ion or a fluorinated alkylsulfonate ion in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms within the aforementioned alkylsulfonate ion has been substituted with fluorine atoms is typically used.

Further, in order to improve lithography properties in the formation of a resist pattern, an onium salt acid generator having an anion with a specific structure containing an aromatic ring as the anion moiety has been proposed (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

DOCUMENTS OF RELATED ART Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent No. 5149236

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As the lithography technique further progresses and the miniaturization of the resist pattern progresses more and more, improvement in the lithography properties such as reduction of roughness and capability of forming a resist pattern having a good shape is further demanded. For examples, in the case of a line and space pattern, there is a strong demand for rectangularity of the cross-section of the pattern.

However, although a resist composition containing a conventional onium salt acid generator described above is capable of reducing roughness, it was sometimes difficult to control the rectangularity of the cross-section of the pattern.

The present invention takes the above circumstances into consideration, with an object of providing a resist composition which enables formation of a resist pattern with improved lithography properties and having a good shape, and a method of forming a resist pattern.

For solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employs the following aspects.

A first aspect of the present invention is a resist composition which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, the resist composition including a resin component (A1) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A1) including a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below, the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the resin component (A1) being more than 30 mol %, and the acid-generator component (B) containing an acid generator (B1) represented by general formula (b1) shown below.

In formula (a0-1), R⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Va⁰¹ represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; Ra⁰¹ represents an acid dissociable group; in formula (b1), R^(b01) represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; L^(b01) represents —O—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—; Y^(b01) represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; V^(b01) represents a fluorinated alkylene group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R^(b02) represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; provided that the total number of fluorine atoms contained in V^(b01) and R^(b02) is 2 or 3; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and M^(m+) represents an m-valent organic cation.

A second aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a resist pattern, including: step (i) of using a resist composition according to the first aspect to form a resist film, step (ii) of exposing the resist film, and step (iii) of developing the exposed resist film to form a resist pattern.

According to the resist composition and method of forming the resist pattern of the present invention, lithography properties may be improved, and a resist pattern having an improved shape may be formed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present description and claims, the term “aliphatic” is a relative concept used in relation to the term “aromatic”, and defines a group or compound that has no aromaticity.

The term “alkyl group” includes linear, branched or cyclic, monovalent saturated hydrocarbon, unless otherwise specified. The same applies for the alkyl group within an alkoxy group.

The term “alkylene group” includes linear, branched or cyclic, divalent saturated hydrocarbon, unless otherwise specified.

A “halogenated alkyl group” is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group is substituted with a halogen atom. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom.

A “fluorinated alkyl group” or a “fluorinated alkylene group” is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group or an alkylene group have been substituted with a fluorine atom.

The term “structural unit” refers to a monomer unit that contributes to the formation of a polymeric compound (resin, polymer, copolymer).

The case of describing “may have a substituent” includes both of the case where the hydrogen atom (—H) is substituted with a monovalent group and the case where the methylene group (—CH₂—) is substituted with a divalent group.

The term “exposure” is used as a general concept that includes irradiation with any form of radiation.

The term “base component” refers to an organic compound capable of forming a film, and is preferably an organic compound having a molecular weight of 500 or more. When the organic compound has a molecular weight of 500 or more, the film-forming ability is improved, and a resist pattern of nano level can be easily formed. The organic compound used as the base component is broadly classified into non-polymers and polymers. In general, as a non-polymer, any of those which have a molecular weight in the range of 500 to less than 4,000 is used. Hereafter, a “low molecular weight compound” refers to a non-polymer having a molecular weight in the range of 500 to less than 4,000. As a polymer, any of those which have a molecular weight of 1,000 or more is generally used. Hereafter, a “resin” or a “polymer” refers to a polymer having a molecular weight of 1,000 or more. As the molecular weight of the polymer, the weight average molecular weight in terms of the polystyrene equivalent value determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is used.

A “structural unit derived from an acrylate ester” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of an acrylate ester.

An “acrylate ester” refers to a compound in which the terminal hydrogen atom of the carboxy group of acrylic acid (CH₂═CH—COOH) has been substituted with an organic group.

The acrylate ester may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent. The substituent (R^(α0)) that substitutes the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position is an atom other than hydrogen or a group, and examples thereof include an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Further, an acrylate ester having the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent (R^(α0)) in which the substituent has been substituted with a substituent containing an ester bond (e.g., an itaconic acid diester), or an acrylic acid having the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent (R^(α0)) in which the substituent has been substituted with a hydroxyalkylgroup or a group in which the hydroxy group within a hydroxyalkyl group has been modified (e.g., α-hydroxyalkyl acrylate ester) can be mentioned as an acrylate ester having the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent. A carbon atom on the α-position of an acrylate ester refers to the carbon atom bonded to the carbonyl group, unless specified otherwise.

Hereafter, an acrylate ester having the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent is sometimes referred to as “α-substituted acrylate ester”. Further, acrylate esters and α-substituted acrylate esters are collectively referred to as “(α-substituted) acrylate ester”.

A “structural unit derived from acrylamide” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of acrylamide.

The acrylamide may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent, and may have either or both terminal hydrogen atoms on the amino group of acrylamide substituted with a substituent. A carbon atom on the α-position of an acrylamide refers to the carbon atom bonded to the carbonyl group, unless specified otherwise.

As the substituent which substitutes the hydrogen atom on the α-position of acrylamide, the same substituents as those described above for the substituent (R^(α0)) on the α-position of the aforementioned α-position of the aforementioned α-substituted acrylate ester can be mentioned.

A “structural unit derived from hydroxystyrene” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of hydroxystyrene. A “structural unit derived from a hydroxystyrene derivative” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of a hydroxystyrene derivative.

The term “hydroxystyrene derivative” includes compounds in which the hydrogen atom at the α-position of hydroxystyrene has been substituted with another substituent such as an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; and derivatives thereof. Examples of the derivatives thereof include hydroxystyrene in which the hydrogen atom of the hydroxy group has been substituted with an organic group and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent; and hydroxystyrene which has a substituent other than a hydroxy group bonded to the benzene ring and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent. Here, the α-position (carbon atom on the α-position) refers to the carbon atom having the benzene ring bonded thereto, unless specified otherwise.

As the substituent which substitutes the hydrogen atom on the α-position of hydroxystyrene, the same substituents as those described above for the substituent on the α-position of the aforementioned α-substituted acrylate ester can be mentioned.

A “structural unit derived from vinylbenzoic acid or a vinylbenzoic acid derivative” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of vinylbenzoic acid or a vinylbenzoic acid derivative.

The term “vinylbenzoic acid derivative” includes compounds in which the hydrogen atom at the α-position of vinylbenzoic acid has been substituted with another substituent such as an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; and derivatives thereof. Examples of the derivatives thereof include benzoic acid in which the hydrogen atom of the carboxy group has been substituted with an organic group and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent; and benzoic acid which has a substituent other than a hydroxy group and a carboxy group bonded to the benzene ring and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent. Here, the α-position (carbon atom on the α-position) refers to the carbon atom having the benzene ring bonded thereto, unless specified otherwise.

The term “styrene derivative” includes compounds in which the hydrogen atom at the α-position of styrene has been substituted with another substituent such as an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; and derivatives thereof. Examples of the derivatives thereof include hydroxystyrene which has a substituent other than a hydroxy group bonded to the benzene ring and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent. Here, the α-position (carbon atom on the α-position) refers to the carbon atom having the benzene ring bonded thereto, unless specified otherwise.

A “structural unit derived from styrene” or “structural unit derived from a styrene derivative” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of styrene or a styrene derivative.

As the alkyl group as a substituent on the α-position, a linear or branched alkyl group is preferable, and specific examples include alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group and a neopentyl group.

Specific examples of the halogenated alkyl group as the substituent on the α-position include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned “alkyl group as the substituent on the α-position” are substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable.

Specific examples of the hydroxyalkyl group as the substituent on the α-position include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned “alkyl group as the substituent on the α-position” are substituted with a hydroxy group. The number of hydroxy groups within the hydroxyalkyl group is preferably 1 to 5, and most preferably 1.

In the present specification and claims, some structures represented by chemical formulae may have an asymmetric carbon, such that an enantiomer or a diastereomer may be present. In such a case, the one formula represents all isomers. The isomers may be used individually, or in the form of a mixture.

(Resist Composition)

The resist composition of the present embodiment generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid.

The resist composition of the present embodiment includes a base component (A) (hereafter, referred to as “component (A)”) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, and an acid-generator component (B) (hereafter, referred to as “component (B)”) which generates acid upon exposure.

When a resist film is formed using the resist composition according to the present embodiment, and the resist film is selectively exposed, acid is generated at exposed portions of the resist film, and the solubility of the component (A) in a developing solution is changed by the action of the acid. On the other hand, at unexposed portions of the resist film, the solubility of the component (A) in a developing solution is unchanged. As a result, difference is generated between the exposed portions of the resist film and the unexposed portions of the resist film in terms of solubility in a developing solution. Therefore, by subjecting the resist film to development, the exposed portions of the resist film are dissolved and removed to form a positive-tone resist pattern in the case of a positive resist, whereas the unexposed portions of the resist film are dissolved and removed to form a negative-tone resist pattern in the case of a negative resist.

In the present specification, a resist composition which forms a positive resist pattern by dissolving and removing the exposed portions of the resist film is called a positive resist composition, and a resist composition which forms a negative resist pattern by dissolving and removing the unexposed portions of the resist film is called a negative resist composition.

The resist composition of the present embodiment may be either a positive resist composition or a negative resist composition.

Further, in the present embodiment, the resist composition may be applied to an alkali developing process using an alkali developing solution in the developing treatment, or a solvent developing process using a developing solution containing an organic solvent (organic developing solution) in the developing treatment, and preferably a solvent developing process.

That is, the resist composition of the present embodiment is preferably a resist composition which forms a positive pattern in an alkali developing process (i.e, a positive resist compound for alkali developing process) or a resist composition which forms a negative pattern in a solvent developing process (i.e., a negative type resist composition for solvent developing process).

<Component (A)>

The component (A) is a base component which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid.

In the present invention, the term “base component” refers to an organic compound capable of forming a film, and is preferably an organic compound having a molecular weight of 500 or more. When the organic compound has a molecular weight of 500 or more, the film-forming ability is improved, and a resist pattern of nano level can be easily formed.

The organic compound used as the base component is broadly classified into non-polymers and polymers.

In general, as a non-polymer, any of those which have a molecular weight in the range of 500 to less than 4,000 is used. Hereafter, a “low molecular weight compound” refers to a non-polymer having a molecular weight in the range of 500 to less than 4,000.

As a polymer, any of those which have a molecular weight of 1,000 or more is generally used. Hereafter, a “resin” or a “polymer” refers to a polymer having a molecular weight of 1,000 or more.

As the molecular weight of the polymer, the weight average molecular weight in terms of the polystyrene equivalent value determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is used.

In the resist composition according to the present embodiment, the component (A) contains a resin component (A1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (A1)”) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution by the action of acid.

As the component (A), at least the component (A1) is used, and at least one of another polymeric compound and a low molecular weight compound may be used in combination with the component (A1).

<<Component (A1)>>

The component (A1) includes a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) described later. If desired, the component (A1) may include, in addition to the structural unit (a0), other structural unit.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the structural unit (a0) contains an acid dissociable group (Ra⁰¹). Therefore, by using the component (A1), the polarity of the resin component before and after exposure is changed, and a good development contrast may be achieved between the exposed portions of the resist film and the unexposed portions of the resist film not only in an alkali developing process, but also in a solvent developing process.

More specifically, in the case of applying an alkali developing process, the component (A1) is substantially insoluble in an alkali developing solution prior to exposure, but when acid is generated from the component (B) upon exposure, the action of this acid causes an increase in the polarity of the base component, thereby increasing the solubility of the component (A1) in an alkali developing solution. Therefore, in the formation of a resist pattern, by conducting selective exposure of a resist film formed by applying the resist composition to a substrate, the exposed portions of the resist film change from an insoluble state to a soluble state in an alkali developing solution, whereas the unexposed portions of the resist film remain insoluble in an alkali developing solution, and hence, a positive resist pattern is formed by alkali developing.

On the other hand, in the case of a solvent developing process, the component (A1) exhibits high solubility in an organic developing solution prior to exposure, and when acid is generated from the component (B) upon exposure, the polarity of the component (A1) is increased by the action of the generated acid, thereby decreasing the solubility of the component (A1) in an organic developing solution. Therefore, in the formation of a resist pattern, by conducting selective exposure of a resist film formed by applying the resist composition to a substrate, the exposed portions of the resist film changes from an soluble state to an insoluble state in an organic developing solution, whereas the unexposed portions of the resist film remain soluble in an organic developing solution. As a result, by conducting development using an organic developing solution, thereby forming a negative resist pattern.

Structural Unit (a0)

The structural unit (a0) is a structural unit represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below. In the structural unit (a0), the terminal group (Ra⁰¹) on the side chain in formula (a0-1) is an acid dissociable group. This acid dissociable group protects the oxy group (—O—) side of the carbonyloxy group [—C(═O)—O—] in formula (a0-1).

An “acid dissociable group” exhibits acid dissociability such that the bond between the acid dissociable group and the adjacent oxygen atom (O) is cleaved by the action of acid. When the acid dissociable group is dissociated by the action of acid, a polar group which exhibits a higher polarity than the acid dissociable group is generated, and the polarity is increased.

As a result, the polarity of the entire component (A1) is increased. By the increase in the polarity, the solubility in an alkali developing solution changes, and the solubility in an alkali developing solution is relatively increased, whereas the solubility in an organic developing solution is relatively decreased.

In formula (a0-1), R⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Va⁰¹ represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and Ra⁰¹ represents an acid dissociable group.

In general formula (a0-1), R⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

As the alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms for R⁰¹, a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group and a neopentyl group. The halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms represented by R is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms have been substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable. As R⁰¹, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and in terms of industrial availability, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is more preferable, and a methyl group is still more preferable.

In formula (a0-1), Va⁰¹ represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The alkylene group for Va⁰¹ may be chain or cyclic. A chain alkylene group may be linear or branched.

The linear alkylene group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 carbon atom (a methylene group). Specific examples of the linear alkylene group include a methylene group [—CH₂—], an ethylene group [—(CH₂)₂—], a trimethylene group [—(CH₂)₃—], a tetramethylene group [—(CH₂)₄-] and a pentamethylene group [—(CH₂)₅—].

The branched alkylene group has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 or 4 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 3 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the branched alkylene group include an alkylalkylene group, such as an alkylmethylene group (e.g., —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)— or —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—); an alkylethylene group (e.g., —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂— or —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—CH₂—); an alkyltrimethylene group (e.g., —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—); or an alkyltetramethylene group (e.g., —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—). As the alkyl group within the alkylalkylene group, a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable.

The cyclic alkylene group may be a polycyclic group or a monocyclic group. As the monocyclic alkylene group, a group in which 2 hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. As the polycyclic alkylene group, a group in which 2 hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbomane, isobomane and tricyclodecane.

Among the above examples, as Va⁰¹, a chain alkylene group is preferable, and a linear alkylene group is more preferable.

In formula (a0-1), Ra⁰¹ represents an acid dissociable group.

Examples of the acid dissociable group for Ra⁰¹ include groups which have been proposed as acid dissociable groups for the base resin of a conventional chemically amplified resist composition.

Specific examples of acid dissociable groups for the base resin of a conventional chemically amplified resist composition include “acetal-type acid dissociable group” and “tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group”.

Acetal-Type Acid Dissociable Group

Examples of the acetal-type acid dissociable group for Ra⁰¹ include an acid dissociable group represented by general formula (a1-r-1) shown below (hereafter, sometimes referred to as “acetal-type acid dissociable group”).

In the formula, Ra′¹ and Ra′² each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; Ra′³ represents a hydrocarbon group, provided that Ra′³ may be bonded to Ra′¹ or Ra′² to form a ring.

In the formula (a1-r-1), it is preferable that at least one of Ra′¹ and Ra′² represents a hydrogen atom, and it is more preferable that both of Ra′¹ and Ra′² represent a hydrogen atom.

In the case where Ra′¹ or Ra′² is an alkyl group, as the alkyl group, the same alkyl groups as those described above the for the substituent which may be bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position of the aforementioned α-substituted acrylate ester can be mentioned, and an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable. Specific examples include linear or branched alkyl groups. Specific examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group and a neopentyl group. Of these, a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly preferable.

In formula (a1-r-1), examples of the hydrocarbon group for Ra′³ include a linear or branched alkyl group and a cyclic hydrocarbon group.

The linear alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group and an n-pentyl group. Among these, a methyl group, an ethyl group or an n-butyl group is preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is more preferable.

The branched alkyl group preferably has 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group a 1,1-diethylpropyl group and a 2,2-dimethylbutyl group. Among these, an isopropyl group is preferable.

In the case where Ra′³ represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group, the cyclic hydrocarbon group may be an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and may be polycyclic or monocyclic.

As the monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane.

As the polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane and tetracyclododecane.

When the monovalent hydrocarbon group for Ra′³ is an aromatic hydrocarbon group, the aromatic hydrocarbon group is a hydrocarbon group having at least one aromatic ring.

The aromatic ring is not particularly limited, as long as it is a cyclic conjugated compound having (4n+2)π electrons, and may be either monocyclic or polycyclic. The aromatic ring preferably has 5 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

Examples of the aromatic ring include aromatic hydrocarbon rings, such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and phenanthrene; and aromatic hetero rings in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon rings has been substituted with a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom. Specific examples of the aromatic hetero ring include a pyridine ring and a thiophene ring.

Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for Ra′³ include a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic hetero ring (aryl group or heteroaryl group); a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from an aromatic compound having two or more aromatic rings (biphenyl, fluorene or the like); and a group in which one hydrogen atom of the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic hetero ring has been substituted with an alkylene group (an arylalkyl group such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a 1-naphthylmethyl group, a 2-naphthylmethyl group, a 1-naphthylethyl group, or a 2-naphthylethyl group). The alkylene group bonded to the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring or the aromatic hetero ring preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 carbon atom.

The cyclic hydrocarbon group for Ra′³ may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include —R^(P1), —R^(P2)—O—R^(P1), —R^(P2)—CO—R^(P1), —R^(P2)—CO—OR^(P1), —R^(P2)—O—CO—R^(P1), —R^(P2)—OH, —R^(P2)—CN or —R^(P2)—COOH (hereafter, these substituents are sometimes collectively referred to as “Ra⁰⁵”).

Here, R^(P1) is a monovalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a monovalent aliphatic cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. Further, R^(P2) is a single bond, a divalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a divalent aliphatic cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

Here, a portion or all of the hydrogen atoms having the chain saturated hydrocarbon group, the aliphatic cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group, and the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R^(P1) and R^(P2) may be substituted with a fluorine atom. The saturated aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon group may have 1 or more substituents of 1 kind, or 1 or more substituents of a plurality of kinds.

Examples of the monovalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group and a decyl group.

Examples of the monovalent saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include a saturated monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group, a cyclononyl group, a cyclodecyl group or a cyclododecyl group; and a saturated polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as a bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl group, a tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decanyl group, a tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decanyl group, a tetracyclo[6.2.1.13,6.02,7]dodecanyl group or an adamantyl group.

Examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms include a group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from the aromatic hydrocarbon ring such as benzene, biphenyl, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene.

In the case where Ra′³ is bonded to Ra′¹ or Ra′² to form a ring, the cyclic group is preferably a 4 to 7-membered ring, and more preferably a 4 to 6-membered ring. Specific examples of the cyclic group include tetrahydropyranyl group and tetrahydrofuranyl group.

Tertiary Alkyl Ester-Type Acid Dissociable Group

Examples of the tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group for Ra⁰¹ include an acid dissociable group represented by general formula (a1-r-2) shown below.

Among the acid dissociable groups represented by general formula (a1-r-2), for convenience, a group which is constituted of alkyl groups is referred to as “tertiary ester-type acid dissociable group”.

In the formula, Ra′⁴ to Ra′⁶ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group, provided that Ra′⁵ and Ra′⁶ may be mutually bonded to form a ring.

Examples of the hydrocarbon group for Ra′⁴ include a linear or branched alkyl group, a chain or cyclic alkenyl group, and a cyclic hydrocarbon group.

The linear or branched alkyl group and the cyclic hydrocarbon group (monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group or aromatic hydrocarbon group) for Ra′⁴ are the same as defined for Ra′³.

The chain or cyclic alkenyl group for Ra′⁴ is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

The hydrocarbon group for Ra′⁵ and Ra′⁶ is the same as defined for Ra′³.

Preferable examples of the tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group for Ra⁰¹ include a group represented by general formula (a1-r2-1) shown below, a group represented by general formula (a1-r2-2) shown below, a group represented by general formula (a1-r2-3) shown below and a group represented by general formula (a1-r2-4) shown below.

In formula (a1-r2-1), Ra′¹⁰ represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms optionally having part thereof substituted with a halogen atom or a hetero atom-containing group; Ra′¹¹ is a group which forms an aliphatic cyclic group together with a carbon atom having Ra′¹⁰ bonded thereto.

In formula (a1-r2-2), Ya represents a carbon atom; Xa represents a group which forms a cyclic hydrocarbon group together with Ya, provided that part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the cyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted; Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent saturated chain hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a monovalent saturated aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the saturated chain hydrocarbon or the saturated aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon may be substituted; two or more of Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ may be mutually bonded to form a cyclic structure; In formula (a1-r2-3), Yaa represents a carbon atom; Xaa represents a group which forms an aliphatic cyclic group together with Yaa; Ra⁰⁴ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent; In formula (a1-r2-4), Ra′¹² and Ra′¹³ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, provided that part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the saturated hydrocarbon group may be substituted; Ra′¹⁴ represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, or is bonded to Ra′¹³ to form a condensed ring which may contain a hetero atom; and * represents a bonding site (the same applies hereafter).

In formula (a1-r2-1), Ra′¹⁰ represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms optionally having part thereof substituted with a halogen atom or a hetero atom-containing group.

The linear alkyl group for Ra′¹⁰ has 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group and an n-pentyl group. Among these, a methyl group, an ethyl group or an n-butyl group is preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is more preferable.

The branched alkyl group for Ra′¹⁰ preferably has 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Specific examples include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group, a 1,1-diethylpropyl group, a 1,1-dimethylbutyl group, a 1,1-dimethylpentyl group and a 2,2-dimethylbutyl group. Among these examples, an isopropyl group or a tert-butyl group is preferable.

The alkyl group for Ra′¹⁰ may have part thereof substituted with a halogen atom or a hetero atom-containing group. For example, part of the hydrogen atoms constituting the alkyl group may be substituted with a halogen atom or a hetero atom-containing group. Further, for example, part of the carbon atoms constituting the alkyl group (e.g., a methylene group) may be substituted with a hetero atom-containing group.

Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom. Examples of the hetero atom include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom. Examples of the hetero atom-containing group include an oxygen atom (—O—), —C(═O)—O—, —O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—NH—, —NH—, —S—, —S(═O)₂— and —S(═O)₂—O—.

In formula (a1-r2-1), as Ra′¹¹ (an aliphatic cyclic group formed together with the carbon atom to which Ra′¹⁰ is bonded), the monocyclic or polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group (a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a monocycloalkane or a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a polycycloalkane) described above for Ra′³ in the aforementioned formula (a1-r-1) is preferable. The aliphatic cyclic group may be an unsaturated aliphatic cyclic group, and examples thereof include a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a monocycloalkene, and a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a polycycloalkene.

The aliphatic cyclic group for Ra′¹¹ may have a substituent, and examples thereof include the substituent (Ra⁰⁵) described above in relation to the cyclic hydrocarbon group for Ra′³, a divalent group which substitutes 2 hydrogen atoms of a methylene group (—CH₂—) (such as a methylidene group (═CH₂) or an ethylidene group). As the aliphatic cyclic group for Ra′¹¹ which has a substituent, a group in which the divalent group is bonded at an α-position of the tertiary carbon atom in formula (a1-r2-1) is preferable.

In formula (a1-r2-2), an aliphatic cyclic group which is formed of Xa together with Ya is a monocyclic or polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group described above in relation to Ra′³ in the aforementioned formula (a1-r-1).

The cyclic hydrocarbon group which Xa forms with Ya may have a substituent. Examples of substituents include the same substituents as those which the cyclic hydrocarbon group for Ra′³ may have.

In formula (a1-r2-2), examples of the monovalent saturated chain hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms for Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group and a decyl group.

Examples of the monovalent saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms for Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ include a saturated monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group, a cyclononyl group, a cyclodecyl group or a cyclododecyl group; and a saturated polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as a bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl group, a tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decanyl group, a tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decanyl group, a tetracyclo[6.2.1.13,6.02,7]dodecanyl group or an adamantyl group.

Among these examples, in terms of ease in synthesis of the monomeric compound for deriving the structural unit (a0), Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ is preferably a hydrogen atom or a monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and most preferably a hydrogen atom.

As the substituent for the saturated chain hydrocarbon group or saturated cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group represented by Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³, for example, the same substituents as those described above for Ra⁰⁵ may be mentioned.

Examples of the group containing a carbon-carbon double bond which is generated by forming a cyclic structure in which two or more of Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³ are bonded to each other include a cyclopentenyl group, a cyclohexenyl group, a methyl cyclopentenyl group, a methyl cyclohexenyl group, a cyclopentylideneethenyl group, and a cyclohexylidenethenyl group. Among these examples, in terms of ease in synthesis of the monomeric compound for deriving the structural unit (a0), a cyclopentenyl group, a cyclohexenyl group or a cyclopentylidenyl group is preferable.

In formula (a1-r2-3), an aliphatic cyclic group which is formed of Xaa together with Yaa is preferably a group exemplified as an aliphatic hydrocarbon group which is a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group of Ra′³ in general formula (a1-r-1).

In general formula (a1-r2-3), examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for Ra⁰⁴ include a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring having 5 to 30 carbon atoms. Among these examples, Ra⁰⁴ is preferably a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, or phenanthrene is further preferable, a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene, naphthalene, or anthracene is still further preferable, a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene and naphthalene is particularly preferable, and a group obtained by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene is most preferable.

Examples of the substituent that Ra⁰⁴ in general formula (a1-r2-3) may have include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a halogen atom (a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or the like), an alkoxy group (a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, a butoxy group, or the like), and an alkyloxycarbonyl group.

In general formula (a1-r2-4), Ra′¹² and Ra′¹³ each independently represent a monovalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom. With respect to Ra′¹² and Ra′¹³, examples of the monovalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include the same monovalent chain saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms as that for Ra⁰¹ to Ra⁰³, provided that part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the saturated hydrocarbon group may be substituted;

Among these examples, as Ra′¹² and Ra′¹³, a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms is further preferable, a methyl group and an ethyl group are still further preferable, and a methyl group is particularly preferable.

In the case where the chain saturated hydrocarbon group represented by Ra′¹² and Ra′¹³ is substituted, examples of the substituent include the same group as that of Ra⁰⁵.

In general formula (a1-r2-4), Ra′¹⁴ is a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Examples of the hydrocarbon group for Ra′¹⁴ include a linear or branched alkyl group and a cyclic hydrocarbon group.

The linear alkyl group for Ra′¹⁴ preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group and an n-pentyl group. Among these, a methyl group, an ethyl group or an n-butyl group is preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is more preferable.

The branched alkyl group for Ra′¹⁴ preferably has 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group a 1,1-diethylpropyl group and a 2,2-dimethylbutyl group. Among these, an isopropyl group is preferable.

In the case where Ra′¹⁴ represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group, the cyclic hydrocarbon group may be an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and may be polycyclic or monocyclic.

As the monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane.

As the polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane and tetracyclododecane.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for Ra′¹⁴ include the same aromatic hydrocarbon groups as those described above for Ra⁰⁴. Among these examples, Ra′¹⁴ is preferably a group formed by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably a group formed by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, or phenanthrene, still more preferably a group formed by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from benzene, naphthalene, or anthracene, still more preferably a group formed by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from naphthalene or anthracene, and most preferably a group formed by removing one or more hydrogen atoms from naphthalene.

Examples of the substituent that Ra′¹⁴ may have include the same group as the substituent that Ra⁰⁴ may have.

In the case where Ra′¹⁴ in general formula (a1-r2-4) is a naphthyl group, a position which is bonded to a tertiary carbon atom in general formula (a1-r2-4) may be 1-position and 2-position of the naphthyl group.

In the case where Ra′¹⁴ in general formula (a1-r2-4) is an anthryl group, a position which is bonded to a tertiary carbon atom in general formula (a1-r2-4) may be any one of 1-position, 2-position, and 9-position of the anthryl group.

Alternatively, in formula (a1-r2-4), Ra′¹⁴ may be bonded to Ra′¹³ to form a condensed ring which may contain a hetero atom.

Examples of the ring structure of the condensed ring formed by Ra′¹⁴ bonded to Ra′¹³ include a condensed ring of an alicyclic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The condensed ring may contain a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

In the condensed ring formed by Ra′¹⁴ bonded to Ra′¹³, the ring structure of the alicyclic hydrocarbon portion may be monocyclic or polycyclic, and may contain a hetero atom. Further, in the condensed ring formed by Ra′¹⁴ bonded to Ra′¹³, the ring structure of the aromatic hydrocarbon portion may be monocyclic or polycyclic, and may contain a hetero atom.

Specific examples of the group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-1) are shown below. * indicates the bonding site with the oxy group (—O—).

Specific examples of the group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-2) are shown below. * indicates the bonding site with the oxy group (—O—).

Specific examples of the group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-3) are shown below. * indicates the bonding site with the oxy group (—O—).

Specific examples of the group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-4) are shown below. * indicates the bonding site with the oxy group (—O—).

Among the above examples, as Ra⁰¹, a tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group is preferable, a group represented by the aforementioned general formula (a1-r2-1) or a group represented by the aforementioned general formula (a1-r2-4) is more preferable, and a group represented by the aforementioned general formula (a1-r2-1) is still more preferable.

Specific examples of the structural unit (a0) represented by formula (a0-1) are shown below. In the formulae shown below, R^(α) represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.

Among the above examples, as the structural unit (a0), at least one member selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by chemical formulae (a0-1-1) to (a0-1-9) is preferable, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by chemical formulae (a0-1-1), (a0-1-2), (a0-1-5), (a0-1-6) and (a0-1-7) is more preferable.

As the structural unit (a0) contained in the component (A1), 1 kind of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more kinds of structural units may be used.

In the component (A1), the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is more than 30 mol %, preferably more than 30 mol % to 60 mol %, more preferably 30.5 mol % to 55 mol %, and still more preferably 31 mol % to 50 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a0) is more than the lower limit of the above range, a resist pattern may be reliably obtained, and various lithography properties such as resolution and roughness may be further improved. On the other hand, when the amount is no more than the upper limit of the above preferable range, a good balance may be achieved with the other structural units.

Other Structural Units

If desired, the component (A1) may include, in addition to the structural unit (a0), other structural unit.

Examples of other structural units include a structural unit (a1) containing an acid decomposable group that exhibits increased polarity by the action of acid, (provided that the structural unit (a0) is excluded); a structural unit (a2) containing a lactone-containing cyclic group, an —SO₂— containing cyclic group or a carbonate-containing cyclic group; a structural unit (a3) containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group (provided that the structural units (a0), (a1) and (a2) are excluded); a structural unit (a4) containing an acid non-dissociable aliphatic cyclic group; a structural unit (a10) represented by general formula (a10-1); and a structural unit derived from styrene or a derivative thereof.

Structural Unit (a1)

In addition to the structural unit (a0), the component (A1) may include a structural unit (a1) containing an acid decomposable group that exhibits increased polarity by the action of acid (provided that structural units which fall under the definition of the structural unit (a0) is excluded).

In the structural unit (a1), the term “acid decomposable group” refers to a group in which at least a part of the bond within the structure thereof is cleaved by the action of an acid.

Examples of acid decomposable groups which exhibit increased polarity by the action of an acid include groups which are decomposed by the action of an acid to form a polar group.

Examples of the polar group include a carboxy group, a hydroxy group, an amino group and a sulfo group (—SO₃H). Among these, a polar group containing —OH in the structure thereof (hereafter, referred to as “OH-containing polar group”) is preferable, a carboxy group or a hydroxy group is more preferable, and a carboxy group is particularly desirable.

More specifically, as an example of an acid decomposable group, a group in which the aforementioned polar group has been protected with an acid dissociable group (such as a group in which the hydrogen atom of the OH-containing polar group has been protected with an acid dissociable group) can be given.

The “acid dissociable group” refers to both (i) a group in which the bond between the acid dissociable group and the adjacent atom is cleaved by the action of acid; and (ii) a group in which one of the bonds is cleaved by the action of acid, and then a decarboxylation reaction occurs, thereby cleaving the bond between the acid dissociable group and the adjacent atom.

It is necessary that the acid dissociable group that constitutes the acid decomposable group is a group which exhibits a lower polarity than the polar group generated by the dissociation of the acid dissociable group. Thus, when the acid dissociable group is dissociated by the action of acid, a polar group exhibiting a higher polarity than that of the acid dissociable group is generated, thereby increasing the polarity. As a result, the polarity of the entire component (A1) is increased. By the increase in the polarity, the solubility in an alkali developing solution changes, and the solubility in an alkali developing solution is relatively increased, whereas the solubility in an organic developing solution is relatively decreased.

As the acid dissociable group for the structural unit (a1), any of those which have been proposed as acid dissociable groups for a base resin of a chemically amplified resist may be mentioned.

Specific examples of acid dissociable groups for the base resin of a conventional chemically amplified resist include the aforementioned “acetal-type acid dissociable group”, the aforementioned “tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group” and “tertiary alkyloxycarbonyl acid dissociable group” described below.

Tertiary Alkyloxycarbonyl Acid Dissociable Group

Examples of the acid dissociable group for protecting a hydroxy group as a polar group include the acid dissociable group represented by general formula (a1-r-3) shown below (hereafter, for convenience, referred to as “tertiary alkyloxycarbonyl-type acid dissociable group”).

In the formula, Ra′⁷ to Ra′⁹ each independently represents an alkyl group.

In formula (a1-r-3), each of Ra′⁷ to Ra′⁹ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Further, the total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups is preferably 3 to 7, more preferably 3 to 5, and still more preferably 3 or 4.

Examples of the structural unit (a1) include a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester which may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent (provided that the structural unit (a0) is excluded); a structural unit derived from an acrylamide; a structural unit derived from hydroxystyrene or a hydroxystyrene derivative in which at least a part of the hydrogen atom of the hydroxy group is protected with a substituent containing an acid decomposable group; and a structural unit derived from vinylbenzoic acid or a vinylbenzoic acid derivative in which at least a part of the hydrogen atom within —C(═O)—OH is protected with a substituent containing an acid decomposable group.

As the structural unit (a1), a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester which may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent is preferable.

Specific examples of preferable structural units for the structural unit (a1) include structural units represented by general formula (a1-1) or (a1-2) shown below (provided that the structural unit (a0) is excluded).

In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Va¹ represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may contain an ether bond; n_(a1) represents an integer of 0 to 2; and Ra¹ represents an acid dissociable group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r-1) or (a1-r-2). Wa¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having a valency of n_(a2)+1; n_(a2) represents an integer of 1 to 3; and Ra² represents an acid dissociable group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r-1) or (a1-r-3).

In the aforementioned formula (a1-1), as the alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms for R, a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group and a neopentyl group. The halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms represented by R is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms have been substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable.

As R, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is particularly desirable in terms of industrial availability.

In formula (a1-1), Va¹ represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have an ether bond. The divalent hydrocarbon group for Va¹ may be an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group as the divalent hydrocarbon group for Va¹ may be either saturated or unsaturated. In general, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably saturated.

As specific examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof can be given.

The linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6, still more preferably 1 to 4, and most preferably 1 to 3.

As the linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear alkylene group is preferable. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group [—CH₂—], an ethylene group [—(CH₂)₂—], a trimethylene group [—(CH₂)₃—], a tetramethylene group [—(CH₂)₄-] and a pentamethylene group [—(CH₂)₅—].

The branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms, still more preferably 3 or 4 carbon atoms, and most preferably 3 carbon atoms.

As the branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, branched alkylene groups are preferred, and specific examples include various alkylalkylene groups, including alkylmethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—; alkylethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—CH₂—; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; and alkyltetramethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—. As the alkyl group within the alkylalkylene group, a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable.

As examples of the hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group (a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring), a group in which the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is bonded to the terminal of the aforementioned chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and a group in which the alicyclic group is interposed within the aforementioned linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, can be given. The linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group is the same as defined for the aforementioned linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group or the aforementioned branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be either a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group. As the monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 2 hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. As the polycyclic group, a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane and tetracyclododecane.

The aromatic hydrocarbon group as the divalent hydrocarbon group for Va¹ is a hydrocarbon group having an aromatic ring.

The aromatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 30, still more preferably 5 to 20, still more preferably 6 to 15, and most preferably 6 to 10. Here, the number of carbon atoms within a substituent(s) is not included in the number of carbon atoms of the aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the aromatic ring contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group include aromatic hydrocarbon rings, such as benzene, biphenyl, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene and phenanthrene; and aromatic hetero rings in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon rings has been substituted with a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring (arylene group); and a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring (aryl group) and one hydrogen atom has been substituted with an alkylene group (such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a 1-naphthylmethyl group, a 2-naphthylmethyl group, a 1-naphthylethyl group, or a 2-naphthylethyl group). The alkylene group (alkyl chain within the arylalkyl group) preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atom, more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1.

In the aforementioned formula (a1-2), the hydrocarbon group for Wa¹ having a valency of n_(a2)+1 may be either an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The aliphatic cyclic group refers to a hydrocarbon group that has no aromaticity, and may be either saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof, and a combination of the linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group and the aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof.

The valency of n_(a2)+1 is preferably divalent, trivalent or tetravalent, and divalent or trivalent is more preferable.

Specific examples of structural unit represented by formula (a1-1) are shown below.

In the formulae shown below, R^(α) represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.

Specific examples of structural unit represented by formula (a1-2) are shown below.

Among the above examples, as the structural unit (a1), a structural unit represented by the aforementioned general formula (a1-1) is preferable, and a structural unit represented by general formula (a1-11) shown below is more preferable.

In formula (a1-11), R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and Ra¹¹ represents an acid dissociable group.

In formula (a1-11), R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and is the same as defined for R in the aforementioned formula (a1-1), preferably a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group in terms of industrial availability.

In formula (a1-11), Ra¹¹ represents an acid dissociable group, and examples thereof include groups which have been proposed as acid dissociable groups for the base resin of a conventional chemically amplified resist composition.

Ra¹¹ is the same as defined for Ra⁰¹ (acid dissociable group) in the aforementioned formula (a0-1), and examples thereof include “acetal-type acid dissociable group” and “tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group”. Among the above examples, a tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable group is preferable, and a group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-1) or a group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-4) is more preferable. In terms of reliably achieving the effect of reducing roughness and improving rectangularity of the pattern, a group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r2-1) is still more preferable.

As the structural unit (a1) contained in the component (A1), 1 type of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more types may be used.

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (a1), the amount of the structural unit (a1) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) (100 mol %) is preferably 1 to 30 mol %, more preferably 2 to 27.5 mol %, still more preferably 5 to 20 mol %, and still more preferably 5 to 15 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a1) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, a resist pattern can be reliably obtained, and various lithography properties such as sensitivity, resolution and roughness are further reduced. On the other hand, when the amount of the structural unit (a1) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit (a2)

The component (A1) may include, in addition to the structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a2) containing a lactone-containing cyclic group, an —SO₂— containing cyclic group or a carbonate-containing cyclic group.

When the component (A1) is used for forming a resist film, the lactone-containing cyclic group, the —SO₂— containing cyclic group or the carbonate-containing cyclic group within the structural unit (a2) is effective in improving the adhesion between the resist film and the substrate. Further, by virtue of including the structural unit (a2), in an alkali developing process, during developing, the solubility of the resist film in an alkali developing is enhanced.

The term “lactone-containing cyclic group” refers to a cyclic group including a ring containing a —O—C(═O)— structure (lactone ring). The term “lactone ring” refers to a single ring containing a —O—C(O)— structure, and this ring is counted as the first ring. A lactone-containing cyclic group in which the only ring structure is the lactone ring is referred to as a monocyclic group, and groups containing other ring structures are described as polycyclic groups regardless of the structure of the other rings. The lactone-containing cyclic group may be either a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group.

The lactone-containing cyclic group for the structural unit (a2) is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary structural unit may be used. Specific examples include groups represented by general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7) shown below.

In the formulae, each Ra′²¹ independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxy group, —COOR″, —OC(═O)R″, a hydroxyalkyl group or a cyano group; R″ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a lactone-containing cyclic group, a carbonate-containing cyclic group or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group; A″ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may contain an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; n′ represents an integer of 0 to 2; and m′ represents 0 or 1.

In formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), the alkyl group for Ra′²¹ is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The alkyl group is preferably a linear alkyl group or a branched alkyl group. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group and a hexyl group. Among these, a methyl group or ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is most preferable.

The alkoxy group for Ra′²¹ is preferably an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

The alkoxy group is preferably a linear or branched alkoxy group. Specific examples of the alkoxy groups include the aforementioned alkyl groups for Ra′²¹ having an oxygen atom (—O—) bonded thereto.

As examples of the halogen atom for Ra′²¹, a fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom can be given. Among these, a fluorine atom is preferable.

Examples of the halogenated alkyl group for Ra′²¹ include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms within the aforementioned alkyl group for Ra′²¹ has been substituted with the aforementioned halogen atoms. As the halogenated alkyl group, a fluorinated alkyl group is preferable, and a perfluoroalkyl group is particularly desirable.

With respect to —COOR″ and —OC(═O)R″ for Ra′²¹, R″ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a lactone-containing cyclic group, a carbonate-containing cyclic group or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group.

The alkyl group for R″ may be linear, branched or cyclic, and preferably has 1 to 15 carbon atoms.

When R″ represents a linear or branched alkyl group, it is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

When R″ is a cyclic alkyl group (cycloalkyl group), it preferably has 3 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane such as a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane which may or may not be substituted with a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group. Specific examples include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane; and groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane.

Examples of the lactone-containing cyclic group for R″ include groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7).

The carbonate-containing cyclic group for R″ is the same as defined for the carbonate-containing cyclic group described later. Specific examples of the carbonate-containing cyclic group include groups represented by general formulae (ax3-r-1) to (ax3-r-3).

The —SO₂— containing cyclic group for R″ is the same as defined for the —SO₂-containing cyclic group described later. Specific examples of the —SO₂— containing cyclic group include groups represented by general formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4).

The hydroxyalkyl group for Ra′²¹ preferably has 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include the alkyl groups for Ra′²¹ in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a hydroxy group.

In formulae (a2-r-2), (a2-r-3) and (a2-r-5), as the alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms represented by A″, a linear or branched alkylene group is preferable, and examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group, an n-propylene group and an isopropylene group. Examples of alkylene groups that contain an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom include the aforementioned alkylene groups in which —O— or —S— is bonded to the terminal of the alkylene group or present between the carbon atoms of the alkylene group. Specific examples of such alkylene groups include —O—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, —S—CH₂—, and —CH₂—S—CH₂—. As A″, an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or —O— is preferable, more preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methylene group.

Specific examples of the groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7) are shown below.

An “—SO₂— containing cyclic group” refers to a cyclic group having a ring containing —SO₂— within the ring structure thereof, i.e., a cyclic group in which the sulfur atom (S) within —SO₂— forms part of the ring skeleton of the cyclic group. The ring containing —SO₂— within the ring skeleton thereof is counted as the first ring. A cyclic group in which the only ring structure is the ring that contains —SO₂— in the ring skeleton thereof is referred to as a monocyclic group, and a group containing other ring structures is described as a polycyclic group regardless of the structure of the other rings. The —SO₂— containing cyclic group may be either a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group.

As the —SO₂— containing cyclic group, a cyclic group containing —O—SO₂— within the ring skeleton thereof, i.e., a cyclic group containing a sultone ring in which —O—S— within the —O—SO₂— group forms part of the ring skeleton thereof is particularly desirable.

More specific examples of the —SO₂— containing cyclic group include groups represented by general formulas (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4) shown below.

In the formulae, each Ra′⁵¹ independently represents an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, —COOR″, —OC(═O)R″, a hydroxyalkyl group or a cyano group; R″ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a lactone-containing cyclic group, a carbonate-containing cyclic group or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group; A″ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms with or without an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and n′ represents an integer of 0 to 2.

In general formulae (a5-r-1) and (a5-r-2), A″ is the same as defined for A″ in general formulae (a2-r-2), (a2-r-3) and (a2-r-5).

Examples of the alkyl group, alkoxy group, halogen atom, halogenated alkyl group, —COOR″, —OC(═O)R″ and hydroxyalkyl group for Ra′⁵¹ include the same groups as those described above in the explanation of Ra′²¹ in the general formulas (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7).

Specific examples of the groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4) are shown below. In the formulae shown below, “Ac” represents an acetyl group.

The term “carbonate-containing cyclic group” refers to a cyclic group including a ring containing a —O—C(═O)—O— structure (carbonate ring). The term “carbonate ring” refers to a single ring containing a —O—C(═O)—O— structure, and this ring is counted as the first ring. A carbonate-containing cyclic group in which the only ring structure is the carbonate ring is referred to as a monocyclic group, and groups containing other ring structures are described as polycyclic groups regardless of the structure of the other rings. The carbonate-containing cyclic group may be either a monocyclic group or a polycyclic group.

The carbonate-containing cyclic group is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary group may be used. Specific examples include groups represented by general formulae (ax3-r-1) to (ax3-r-3) shown below.

In the formulae, each Ra′^(x31) independently represents an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, —COOR″, —OC(═O)R″, a hydroxyalkyl group or a cyano group; R″ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a lactone-containing cyclic group, a carbonate-containing cyclic group or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group; A″ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms with or without an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; p′ represents an integer of 0 to 3; and q′ is 0 or 1.

In general formulae (ax3-r-2) and (ax3-r-3), A″ is the same as defined for A″ in general formulae (a2-r-2), (a2-r-3) and (a2-r-5).

Examples of the alkyl group, alkoxy group, halogen atom, halogenated alkyl group, —COOR″, —OC(═O)R″ and hydroxyalkyl group for Ra′³¹ include the same groups as those described above in the explanation of Ra′²¹ in the general formulas (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7).

Specific examples of the groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (ax3-r-1) to (ax3-r-3) are shown below.

As the structural unit (a2), a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester which may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent is preferable.

Specific examples of preferable structural units for the structural unit (a2) include structural units represented by general formula (a2-1) shown below.

In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya²¹ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; La²¹ represents —O—, —COO—, —CON(R′)—, —OCO—, —CONHCO— or —CONHCS—; and R′ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; provided that, when La²¹ represents —O—, Ya²¹ does not represent —CO—; and Ra²¹ represents a lactone-containing cyclic group, an —SO₂— containing cyclic group or a carbonate-containing cyclic group.

In the formula (a2-1), R is the same as defined above.

As R, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is particularly desirable in terms of industrial availability.

In the formula (a2-1), the divalent linking group for Ya²¹ is not particularly limited, and preferable examples thereof include a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent and a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom.

The divalent hydrocarbon group for Ya²¹ is the same as defined for the divalent hydrocarbon group represented by Va¹ in the aforementioned formula (a1-1). Examples of the substituent for the divalent hydrocarbon group represented by Ya²¹ include an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a hydroxy group, a carbonyl group.

In the case where Ya²¹ represents a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom, preferable examples of the linking group include —O—, —C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—NH—, —NH—, —NH—C(═NH)— (may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like), —S—, —S(═O)₂—, —S(═O)₂—O—, and a group represented by general formula: —Y²¹—O—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—, —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—O—Y²¹—, [Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m)—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—C(═O)—Y²²— or —Y²¹—S(═O)₂—O—Y²²— [in the formulae, Y²¹ and Y²² each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, O represents an oxygen atom, and m′ represents an integer of 0 to 3].

In the case where the divalent linking group containing a hetero atom is —C(═O)—NH—, —C(═O)—NH—C(═O)—, —NH— or —NH—C(═NH)—, H may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like. The substituent (an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like) preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8, and most preferably 1 to 5.

In general formulae —Y²¹—O—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—, —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—O—Y²¹—, —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m)—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—C(═O)—Y²²— or —Y²¹—S(═O)₂—O—Y²²—, Y²¹ and Y²² each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Examples of the divalent hydrocarbon group include the same groups as those described above as the “divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent” in the explanation of the aforementioned divalent linking group.

As Y²¹, a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferable, more preferably a linear alkylene group, still more preferably a linear alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a methylene group or an ethylene group is particularly desirable.

As Y²², a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferable, and a methylene group, an ethylene group or an alkylmethylene group is more preferable. The alkyl group within the alkylmethylene group is preferably a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group.

In the group represented by the formula —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m)″-Y²²—, m″ represents an integer of 0 to 3, preferably an integer of 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and most preferably 1. Namely, it is particularly desirable that the group represented by the formula —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m)″-Y²²— is a group represented by the formula —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—Y²²—. Among these, a group represented by the formula —(CH₂)_(a′)—C(═O)—O—(CH₂)_(b′)— is preferable. In the formula, a′ is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably an integer of 1 to 8, more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, still more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1. b′ is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably an integer of 1 to 8, more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, still more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1.

Ya²¹ preferably represents an ester bond [—C(═O)—O—], an ether bond (—O—), a linear or branched alkylene group, a combination of these, or a single bond.

In formula (a2-1), La²¹ represents —O—, —COO—, —CON(R′)—, —OCO—, —CONHCO— or —CONHCS—.

R′ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

However, when La²¹ represents —O—, Ya²¹ does not represent —CO—.

In the formula (a2-1), Ra²¹ represents a lactone-containing cyclic group, an —SO₂— containing cyclic group or a carbonate-containing cyclic group.

Preferable examples of the lactone-containing cyclic group, the —SO₀₂-containing cyclic group and the carbonate-containing cyclic group for Ra²¹ include groups represented by general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), groups represented by general formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4) and groups represented by general formulae (ax3-r-1) to (ax3-r-3).

Among the above examples, as Ra²¹, a lactone-containing cyclic group or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group is preferable, and a group represented by the aforementioned general formula (a2-r-1), (a2-r-2), (a2-r-6) or (a5-r-1) is more preferable. Specifically, a group represented by any of chemical formulae (r-1c-1-1) to (r-1c-1-7), (r-1c-2-1) to (r-1c-2-19), (r-1c-6-1), (r-s1-1-1) and (r-s1-1-18) is still more preferable. Among the above examples, as Ra²¹, a lactone-containing cyclic group is preferable, and a group represented by any one of the aforementioned chemical formulae (r-1c-2-1) to (r-1c-2-19) is more preferable.

As the structural unit (a2) contained in the component (A1), 1 kind of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more kinds may be used.

When the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a2), the amount of the structural unit (a2) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 5 to 70 mol %, more preferably 10 to 65 mol %, still more preferably 20 to 60 mol %, and still more preferably 30 to 55 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a2) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above preferable range, the effect of using the structural unit (a2) may be satisfactorily achieved. On the other hand, when the amount of the structural unit (a2) is no more than the upper limit of the above preferable range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units, and various lithography properties and pattern shape may be improved.

Structural Unit (a3)

The component (A1) may include, in addition to the structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a3) containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group (provided that the structural units that fall under the definition of structural units (a0), (a1) and (a2) are excluded).

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (a3), the hydrophilicity of the component (A1) is enhanced, thereby contributing to improvement in resolution.

Examples of the polar group include a hydroxyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group, or hydroxyalkyl group in which part of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms, although a hydroxyl group is particularly desirable.

Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include linear or branched hydrocarbon groups (preferably alkylene groups) of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups (cyclic groups). These cyclic groups can be selected appropriately from the multitude of groups that have been proposed for the resins of resist compositions designed for use with ArF excimer lasers. The cyclic group is preferably a polycyclic group, more preferably a polycyclic group of 7 to 30 carbon atoms.

Of the various possibilities, structural units derived from an acrylate ester that include an aliphatic polycyclic group that contains a hydroxyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group in which part of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms are particularly desirable. Examples of the polycyclic group include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, tetracycloalkane or the like. Specific examples include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane. Of these polycyclic groups, groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane, norbornane or tetracyclododecane are preferred industrially.

As the structural unit (a3), there is no particular limitation as long as it is a structural unit containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and an arbitrary structural unit may be used.

The structural unit (a3) is preferably a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester which may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent and contains a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

When the aliphatic hydrocarbon group within the polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the structural unit (a3) is preferably a structural unit derived from a hydroxyethyl ester of acrylic acid. On the other hand, when the hydrocarbon group is a polycyclic group, structural units represented by formulas (a3-1), (a3-2) and (a3-3) shown below are preferable.

In the formulas, R is the same as defined above; j is an integer of 1 to 3; k is an integer of 1 to 3; t′ is an integer of 1 to 3; 1 is an integer of 1 to 5; and s is an integer of 1 to 3.

In formula (a3-1), j is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1. When j is 2, it is preferable that the hydroxyl groups be bonded to the 3rd and 5th positions of the adamantyl group. When j is 1, it is preferable that the hydroxyl group be bonded to the 3rd position of the adamantyl group.

j is preferably 1, and it is particularly desirable that the hydroxyl group be bonded to the 3rd position of the adamantyl group.

In formula (a3-2), k is preferably 1. The cyano group is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbomyl group.

In formula (a3-3), t′ is preferably 1. l is preferably 1. s is preferably 1. Further, it is preferable that a 2-norbomyl group or 3-norbomyl group be bonded to the terminal of the carboxy group of the acrylic acid. The fluorinated alkyl alcohol is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbomyl group.

As the structural unit (a3) contained in the component (A1), 1 kind of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more kinds of structural units may be used.

When the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a3), the amount of the structural unit (a3) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 1 to 50 mol %, more preferably 3 to 40 mol %, still more preferably 5 to 30 mol %, and most preferably 10 to 30 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a3) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferable range, the resolution is improved in the formation of a resist pattern. On the other hand, when the amount of the structural unit (a3) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferable range, a good balance can be reliably achieved with the other structural units.

-   -   (a4)         :

The component (A1) may be further include, in addition to the structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a4) containing an acid non-dissociable, aliphatic cyclic group.

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (a4), dry etching resistance of the resist pattern to be formed is improved. Further, the hydrophobicity of the component (A) is further improved. Increase in the hydrophobicity contributes to improvement in terms of resolution, shape of the resist pattern and the like, particularly in a solvent developing process.

An “acid non-dissociable, aliphatic cyclic group” in the structural unit (a4) refers to a cyclic group which is not dissociated by the action of the acid (e.g., acid generated from a structural unit which generates acid upon exposure or acid generated from the component (B)) upon exposure, and remains in the structural unit.

As the structural unit (a4), a structural unit which contains a non-acid-dissociable aliphatic cyclic group, and is also derived from an acrylate ester is preferable. As the cyclic group, any of the multitude of conventional polycyclic groups used within the resin component of resist compositions for ArF excimer lasers or KrF excimer lasers (and particularly for ArF excimer lasers) can be used.

As the aliphatic polycyclic group, at least one polycyclic group selected from amongst a tricyclodecyl group, adamantyl group, tetracyclododecyl group, isobornyl group, and norbornyl group is particularly desirable in consideration of industrial availability and the like. These polycyclic groups may be substituted with a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of the structural unit (a4) include structural units represented by general formulae (a4-1) to (a4-7) shown below.

In the formulae, R^(α) is the same as defined above.

As the structural unit (a4) contained in the component (A1), 1 type of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more types may be used.

When the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a4), the amount of the structural unit (a4) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 1 to 40 mol %, and more preferably 5 to 20 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a4) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferable range, the effect of using the structural unit (a4) can be satisfactorily achieved. On the other hand, when the amount of the structural unit (a4) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferable range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit (a10)

The structural unit (a10) is a structural unit represented by general formula (a10-1) shown below.

In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya^(x1) represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; Wa^(x1) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having a valency of (n_(ax1)+1); and n_(ax1) represents an integer of 1 or more.

In general formula (a10-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

As the alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms for R, a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group and a neopentyl group.

The halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms represented by R is a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms have been substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable.

As R, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and in view of industrial availability, a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group is more preferable, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is still more preferable, and a methyl group is most preferable.

In formula (a10-1), Ya^(x1) represents a single bond or a divalent linking group.

In the aforementioned chemical formula, the divalent linking group for Ya^(x1) is not particularly limited, and preferable examples thereof include a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent and a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom.

Divalent Hydrocarbon Group which May have a Substituent:

In the case where Ya^(x1) is a divalent linking group which may have a substituent, the hydrocarbon group may be either an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Group for Ya^(x1)

An “aliphatic hydrocarbon group” refers to a hydrocarbon group that has no aromaticity. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. In general, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably saturated.

Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof can be given.

Linear or Branched Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Group

The linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6, still more preferably 1 to 4, and most preferably 1 to 3.

As the linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear alkylene group is preferable. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group [—CH₂—], an ethylene group [—(CH₂)₂—], a trimethylene group [—(CH₂)₃—], a tetramethylene group [—(CH₂)₄-] and a pentamethylene group [—(CH₂)₅—].

The branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 6, still more preferably 3 or 4, and most preferably 3.

As the branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, branched alkylene groups are preferred, and specific examples include various alkylalkylene groups, including alkylmethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—; alkylethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—CH₂—; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; and alkyltetramethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—. As the alkyl group within the alkylalkylene group, a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable.

The linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group may or may not have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a fluorine atom, a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a carbonyl group.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Group Containing a Ring in the Structure Thereof

As examples of the hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof, a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing a hetero atom in the ring structure thereof and may have a substituent (a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring), a group in which the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group is bonded to the terminal of the aforementioned chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and a group in which the cyclic aliphatic group is interposed within the aforementioned linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, can be given. As the linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, the same groups as those described above can be used.

The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be either a polycyclic group or a monocyclic group. As the monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a group in which 2 hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. As the polycyclic group, a group in which 2 hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane and tetracyclododecane.

The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group may or may not have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group and a carbonyl group.

The alkyl group as the substituent is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group.

The alkoxy group as the substituent is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group or tert-butoxy group, and still more preferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.

Examples of the halogen atom for the substituent include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferable.

Examples of the halogenated alkyl group for the substituent include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms within the aforementioned alkyl groups has been substituted with the aforementioned halogen atoms.

The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group may have part of the carbon atoms constituting the ring structure thereof substituted with a substituent containing a hetero atom. As the substituent containing a hetero atom, —O—, —C(═O)—O—, —S—, —S(═O)₂— or —S(═O)₂—O— is preferable.

Aromatic Hydrocarbon Group for Ya^(x1)

The aromatic hydrocarbon group is a hydrocarbon group having at least one aromatic ring.

The aromatic ring is not particularly limited, as long as it is a cyclic conjugated compound having (4n+2)π electrons, and may be either monocyclic or polycyclic. The aromatic ring preferably has 5 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Here, the number of carbon atoms within a substituent(s) is not included in the number of carbon atoms of the aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the aromatic ring include aromatic hydrocarbon rings, such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and phenanthrene; and aromatic hetero rings in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon rings has been substituted with a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom. Specific examples of the aromatic hetero ring include a pyridine ring and a thiophene ring.

Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic hetero ring (arylene group or heteroarylene group); a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aromatic compound having two or more aromatic rings (biphenyl, fluorene or the like); and a group in which one hydrogen atom of the aforementioned aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic hetero ring has been substituted with an alkylene group (a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the aryl group within the aforementioned arylalkyl group such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a 1-naphthylmethyl group, a 2-naphthylmethyl group, a 1-naphthylethyl group, or a 2-naphthylethyl group, or a heteroarylalkyl group). The alkylene group which is bonded to the aforementioned aryl group or heteroaryl group preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 carbon atom.

With respect to the aromatic hydrocarbon group, the hydrogen atom within the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent. For example, the hydrogen atom bonded to the aromatic ring within the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent. Examples of substituents include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, and a hydroxyl group.

The alkyl group as the substituent is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group.

As the alkoxy group, the halogen atom and the halogenated alkyl group for the substituent, the same groups as the aforementioned substituent groups for substituting a hydrogen atom within the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be used.

Divalent Linking Group Containing a Hetero Atom

In the case where Ya^(x1) represents a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom, preferable examples of the linking group include —O—, —C(═O)—O—, —O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—NH—, —NH—, —NH—C(═NH)— (may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like), —S—, —S(═O)₂—, —S(═O)₂—O—, and a group represented by general formula: —Y²¹—O—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—, —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—O—Y²¹—, —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m′)—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—C(═O)—Y²²— or —Y²¹—S(═O)₂—O—Y²²— [in the formulae, Y²¹ and Y²² each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, 0 represents an oxygen atom, and m′ represents an integer of 0 to 3].

In the case where the divalent linking group containing a hetero atom is —C(═O)—NH—, —C(═O)—NH—C(═O)—, —NH— or —NH—C(═NH)—, H may be substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like. The substituent (an alkyl group, an acyl group or the like) preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8, and most preferably 1 to 5.

In general formulae —Y²¹—O—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—, —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—, —C(═O)—O—Y²¹⁻, —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m″)—Y²²—, —Y²¹—O—C(═O)—Y²²— or —Y²¹—S(═O)₂—O—Y²²—, Y²¹ and Y²² each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Examples of the divalent hydrocarbon group include the same groups as those described above as the “divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent” in the explanation of the aforementioned divalent linking group for Ya^(x1).

As Y²¹, a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferable, more preferably a linear alkylene group, still more preferably a linear alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a methylene group or an ethylene group is particularly desirable.

As Y²², a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferable, and a methylene group, an ethylene group or an alkylmethylene group is more preferable. The alkyl group within the alkylmethylene group is preferably a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group.

In the group represented by the formula —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m″)—Y²²—, m″ represents an integer of 0 to 3, preferably an integer of 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and most preferably 1. Namely, it is particularly desirable that the group represented by the formula —[Y²¹—C(═O)—O]_(m″)—Y²²— is a group represented by the formula —Y²¹—C(═O)—O—Y²²—. Among these, a group represented by the formula —(CH₂)_(a′)—C(═O)—O—(CH₂)_(b′)— is preferable. In the formula, a′ is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably an integer of 1 to 8, more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, still more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1. b′ is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably an integer of 1 to 8, more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, still more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1.

Among the above examples, as Ya^(x1), a single bond, an ester bond [—C(═O)—O—, —O—C(═O)—], an ether bond (—O—), a linear or branched alkylene group, or a combination of these is preferable, and a single bond or an ester bond [—C(═O)—O—, —O—C(═O)—] is more preferable.

In formula (a10-1), Wa^(x1) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having a valency of (n_(ax1)+1).

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for Wa^(x1) include a group obtained by removing (n_(ax1)+1) hydrogen atoms from an aromatic ring. The aromatic ring is not particularly limited, as long as it is a cyclic conjugated compound having (4n+2)π electrons, and may be either monocyclic or polycyclic. The aromatic ring preferably has 5 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the aromatic ring include an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene or phenanthrene; and an aromatic heterocyclic ring in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aromatic hydrocarbon ring has been substituted with a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom. Specific examples of the aromatic hetero ring include a pyridine ring and a thiophene ring.

Further examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for Wa^(x1) include a group in which (n_(ax1)+1) hydrogen atom(s) has been removed from an aromatic group containing 2 or more aromatic rings (e.g., biphenyl, fluorene, or the like).

Among the above examples, as Wa^(x1), a group in which (n_(ax1)+1) hydrogen atoms have been removed from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene or biphenyl is preferable, a group in which (n_(ax1)+1) hydrogen atoms have been removed from benzene or naphthalene is more preferable, and a group in which (n_(ax1)+1) hydrogen atoms have been removed from benzene is still more preferable.

In formula (a10-1), n_(ax1) is an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 1 to 10, more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, still more preferably 1, 2 or 3, and most preferably 1 or 2.

Specific examples of the structural unit (a10) represented by formula (a10-1) are shown below.

In the formulae shown below, R^(α) represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group.

As the structural unit (a10) contained in the component (A1), 1 kind of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more kinds of structural units may be used.

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (a10), the amount of the structural unit (a10) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) (100 mol %) is preferably 5 to 50 mol %, more preferably 5 to 40 mol %, and still more preferably 10 to 30 mol %.

When the amount of the structural unit (a10) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above preferable range, the sensitivity may be more reliably enhanced. On the other hand, when the amount of the structural unit (a10) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a good balance may be reliably achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit Derived from Styrene or a Derivative Thereof (Structural Unit (St))

The term “styrene” is a concept including styrene and compounds in which the hydrogen atom at the α-position of styrene is substituted with a substituent such as an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group. Examples of the alkyl group as the substituent include an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of the halogenated alkyl group as the substituent include a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Examples of the “styrene derivative” include styrene which has a substituent other than a hydroxy group bonded to the benzene ring and may have the hydrogen atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent.

Here, the α-position (carbon atom on the α-position) refers to the carbon atom having the benzene ring bonded thereto, unless specified otherwise.

A “structural unit derived from styrene” or “structural unit derived from a styrene derivative” refers to a structural unit that is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of styrene or a styrene derivative.

As the structural unit (st) contained in the component (A1), 1 kind of structural unit may be used, or 2 or more kinds of structural units may be used.

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (st), the amount of the structural unit (st) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) (100 mol %) is preferably 1 to 30 mol %, and more preferably 3 to 20 mol %.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, the resin component (A1) contains a polymer having the structural unit (a0). As the component (A1), 1 kind of the polymer may be used, or 2 or more kinds of the polymers may be used in combination.

Preferable examples of the polymer having a structural unit (a0) include a polymer containing a copolymer having a structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a2) and any other desired structural unit; and a polymer containing a copolymer having a structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a1) and any other desired structural unit. Preferable examples of such copolymer include a copolymer consisting of a repeating structure of a structural unit (a0) and a structural unit (a2); and a copolymer consisting of a repeating structure of a structural unit (a0), a structural unit (a2) and a structural unit (a1).

In the case where the component (A1) has a structural unit (a0) and a structural unit (a1), in terms of the effects of the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a combination of a structural unit represented by general formula (a0-1) with a structural unit represented by general formula (a1-11).

Further, in terms of improving the lithography properties and reliably forming a resist pattern having a better shape, it is preferable that both Ra⁰¹ in the aforementioned general formula (a0-1) and Ra¹¹ in the aforementioned general formula (a1-11) is acid dissociable group which is a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a tertiary carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom (—O—) in the formulae.

In the component (A1), as the structural unit containing an acid dissociable group, the amount of the structural unit (a0) is preferably 50 mol % or more, and may be 100 mol %.

In the case where a combination of the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) is used as the structural unit containing an acid dissociable group, in terms of the effects of the present embodiment, the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on the 100 mol % total of the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) is preferably 50 mol % or more, more preferably 50 to 95 mol %, and still more preferably 60 to 90 mol %.

<<Component (A2)>>

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (A), “a base component which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid” other than the component (A1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (A2)”) may be used in combination.

As the component (A2), there is no particular limitation, and any of the multitude of conventional base resins used within chemically amplified resist compositions may be arbitrarily selected for use.

As the component (A2), one kind of a polymer or a low molecular weight compound may be used, or a combination of two or more kinds may be used.

In the component (A), the amount of the component (A1) based on the total weight of the component (A) is preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 75% by weight or more, still more preferably 90% by weight or more, and may be even 100% by weight.

When the amount of the component (A1) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above preferable range, sensitivity may be improved, and a resist pattern with improved lithography properties such as resolution and reduced roughness may be reliably formed.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, the amount of the component (A) may be appropriately adjusted depending on the thickness of the resist film to be formed, and the like.

<Component (B)>

The component (B) is an acid generator component which generates acid upon exposure.

<<Component (B1)>>

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, the component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) represented by general formula (b1) shown below (hereafter, also is referred to as “component (B1)”).

In formula (b1), R^(b01) represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; L^(b01) represents —O—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—; Y^(b01) represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; V^(b01) represents a fluorinated alkylene group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R^(b02) represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; provided that the total number of fluorine atoms contained in V^(b01) and R^(b02) is 2 or 3; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and M^(m+) represents an m-valent organic cation.

In formula (b1), R^(b01) represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

The cyclic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) may be an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. An “aliphatic hydrocarbon group” refers to a hydrocarbon group that has no aromaticity. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be either saturated or unsaturated, but in general, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably saturated.

The aromatic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) is a hydrocarbon group having an aromatic ring. The aromatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 20 carbon atoms, still more preferably 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Here, the number of carbon atoms within a substituent(s) is not included in the number of carbon atoms of the aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the aromatic ring contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) include benzene, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, biphenyl, or an aromatic hetero ring in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aromatic ring has been substituted with a hetero atom. Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) include a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from the aforementioned aromatic ring (an aryl group, such as a phenyl group or a naphthyl group), and a group in which 1 hydrogen atom of the aforementioned aromatic ring has been substituted with an alkylene group (an arylalkyl group, such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a 1-naphthylmethyl group, a 2-naphthylmethyl group, a 1-naphthylethyl group, or a 2-naphthylethyl group). The alkylene group (alkyl chain within the arylalkyl group) preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atom, more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1.

Examples of the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups containing a ring in the structure thereof.

As examples of the hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group (a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring), a group in which the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is bonded to the terminal of the aforementioned chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and a group in which the alicyclic group is interposed within the aforementioned linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, can be given.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be either a polycyclic group or a monocyclic group. As the monocyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. As the polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Among polycycloalkanes, a polycycloalkane having a bridged ring polycyclic skeleton, such as adamantane, norbomane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclodpdecane, and a polycycloalkane having a condensed ring polycyclic skeleton, such as a cyclic group having a steroid skeleton are preferable.

Among these examples, as the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01), a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane is preferable, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is more preferable, an adamantyl group or a norbomyl group is still more preferable, and an adamantyl group is most preferable.

The linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may be bonded to the alicyclic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

As the linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear alkylene group is preferable. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group [—CH₂—], an ethylene group [—(CH₂)₂—], a trimethylene group [—(CH₂)₃—], a tetramethylene group [—(CH₂)₄-] and a pentamethylene group [—(CH₂)₅—].

As the branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, branched alkylene groups are preferred, and specific examples include various alkylalkylene groups, including alkylmethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—; alkylethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—CH₂—; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; and alkyltetramethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—. As the alkyl group within the alkylalkylene group, a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable.

The cyclic hydrocarbon group for R^(b01) may contain a hetero atom such as a heterocycle. Specific examples include lactone-containing cyclic groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), the —SO₂— containing cyclic group represented by the aforementioned formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4), and other heterocyclic groups represented by chemical formulae (r-hr-1) to (r-hr-16) shown below.

Among the above examples, as R^(b01), in terms of the effects of the present embodiment, a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferable, and a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed form a polycycloalkane is more preferable.

As the substituent for the cyclic group for R^(b01), an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, a nitro group or the like can be used.

The alkyl group as the substituent is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group is particularly desirable.

The alkoxy group as the substituent is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group or tert-butoxy group, and most preferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.

Examples of the halogen atom for the substituent include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferable.

Example of the aforementioned halogenated alkyl group includes a group in which a part or all of the hydrogen atoms within an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g., a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group) have been substituted with the aforementioned halogen atoms.

The carbonyl group as the substituent is a group that substitutes a methylene group (—CH₂—) constituting the cyclic hydrocarbon group.

In formula (b1), L^(b01) represents —O—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—.

In formula (b1), Y^(b01) represents a divalent linking group or a single bond.

Examples of the divalent linking group for Y^(b10) include an oxygen atom (an ether bond: —O—), an alkylene group, or a combination thereof.

The alkylene group preferably has 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

The aforementioned combination of an oxygen atom (an ether bond:—O—) with an alkylene group may further have a sulfonyl group (—SO₂—) linked thereto.

Among the above examples, as Y^(b01), an alkylene group or a single bond is preferable.

In formula (b1), V^(b01) represents a fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The fluorinated alkylene group for V^(b01) has 1 to 9 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In formula (b1), R^(b02) represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom. However, the total number of fluorine atoms contained in V^(b01) and R^(b02) is 2 or 3.

Specific examples of anion moieties for the component (B1) are shown below. However, the anion moiety of the component (B1) is not limited to these specific examples.

In formula (b1), M^(m+) represents an organic cation having a valency of m.

As the organic cation for M^(m+,) an onium cation is preferable, and a sulfonium cation or a iodonium cation is more preferable. m represents an integer of 1 or more.

As preferable examples of the cation moiety ((M^(m+))_(l/m)), organic cations represented by general formulae (ca-1) to (ca-5) shown below may be given.

In the formulae, R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷, R²¹¹ and R²¹² each independently represents an aryl group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, provided that two of R²⁰¹ to R²⁰³, R²⁰⁶ and R²⁰⁷, or R²¹¹ and R²¹² may be mutually bonded to form a ring with the sulfur atom; R²⁰⁸ and R²⁰⁹ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R²¹⁰ represents an aryl group which may have a substituent, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an alkenyl group which may have a substituent, or an —SO₂-containing cyclic group which may have a substituent; L²⁰¹ represents —C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—; Y²⁰¹ each independently represents an arylene group, an alkylene group or an alkenylene group; x represents 1 or 2; and W²⁰¹ represents a linking group having a valency of (x+1).

As the aryl group for R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷, R²¹¹ and R²¹², an unsubstituted aryl group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms can be mentioned, and a phenyl group or a naphthyl group is preferable.

The alkyl group for R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷, R²¹¹ and R²¹² is preferably a chain-like or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

The alkenyl group for R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷, R²¹¹ and R²¹² preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of the substituent which R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷ and R²¹⁰ to R²¹² may have include an alkyl group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a carbonyl group, a cyano group, an amino group, an aryl group, and groups represented by formulae (ca-r-1) to (ca-r-7) shown below.

In the formulae, each R′²⁰¹ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent, or a chain-like alkenyl group which may have a substituent.

In formulae (ca-r-1) to (ca-r-7), R′²⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent.

Cyclic Group which May have a Substituent:

The cyclic group is preferably a cyclic hydrocarbon group, and the cyclic hydrocarbon group may be either an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. An “aliphatic hydrocarbon group” refers to a hydrocarbon group that has no aromaticity. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be either saturated or unsaturated, but in general, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably saturated.

The aromatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹ is a hydrocarbon group having an aromatic ring. The aromatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 30 carbon atoms, still more preferably 5 to 20 carbon atoms, still more preferably 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Here, the number of carbon atoms within a substituent(s) is not included in the number of carbon atoms of the aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the aromatic ring contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹ include benzene, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, biphenyl, or an aromatic hetero ring in which part of the carbon atoms constituting the aromatic ring has been substituted with a hetero atom.

Examples of the hetero atom within the aromatic hetero rings include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹ include a group in which 1 hydrogen atom has been removed from the aforementioned aromatic ring (an aryl group, such as a phenyl group or a naphthyl group), and a group in which 1 hydrogen atom of the aforementioned aromatic ring has been substituted with an alkylene group (an arylalkyl group, such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a 1-naphthylmethyl group, a 2-naphthylmethyl group, a 1-naphthylethyl group, or a 2-naphthylethyl group). The alkylene group (alkyl chain within the arylalkyl group) preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atom, more preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 1.

Examples of the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹ include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups containing a ring in the structure thereof.

As examples of the hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure thereof, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group (a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring), a group in which the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is bonded to the terminal of the aforementioned chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and a group in which the alicyclic group is interposed within the aforementioned linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, can be given.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be either a polycyclic group or a monocyclic group. As the monocyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane is preferable. The monocycloalkane preferably has 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. As the polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is preferable, and the polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 30 carbon atoms. Among polycycloalkanes, a polycycloalkane having a bridged ring polycyclic skeleton, such as adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclodpdecane, and a polycycloalkane having a condensed ring polycyclic skeleton, such as a cyclic group having a steroid skeleton are preferable.

Among these examples, as the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane is preferable, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane is more preferable, an adamantyl group or a norbomyl group is still more preferable, and an adamantyl group is most preferable.

The linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may be bonded to the alicyclic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

As the linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a linear alkylene group is preferable. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group [—CH₂—], an ethylene group [—(CH₂)₂—], a trimethylene group [—(CH₂)₃—], a tetramethylene group [—(CH₂)₄-] and a pentamethylene group [—(CH₂)₅—].

As the branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, branched alkylene groups are preferred, and specific examples include various alkylalkylene groups, including alkylmethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—; alkylethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—CH₂—; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; and alkyltetramethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—. As the alkyl group within the alkylalkylene group, a linear alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable.

The cyclic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹ may contain a hetero atom such as a heterocycle. Specific examples include lactone-containing cyclic groups represented by the aforementioned general formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), the —SO₂— containing cyclic group represented by the aforementioned formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4), and other heterocyclic groups represented by the aforementioned chemical formulae (r-hr-1) to (r-hr-16).

As the substituent for the cyclic group for R′²⁰¹, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, a nitro group or the like can be used.

The alkyl group as the substituent is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group is particularly desirable.

The alkoxy group as the substituent is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group or tert-butoxy group, and most preferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.

Examples of the halogen atom for the substituent include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferable.

Example of the aforementioned halogenated alkyl group includes a group in which a part or all of the hydrogen atoms within an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g., a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group or a tert-butyl group) have been substituted with the aforementioned halogen atoms.

The carbonyl group as the substituent is a group that substitutes a methylene group (—CH₂—) constituting the cyclic hydrocarbon group.

Chain Alkyl Group which May have a Substituent:

The chain alkyl group for R′²⁰¹ may be linear or branched.

The linear alkyl group preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, an undecyl group, a dodecyl group, a tridecyl group, an isotridecyl group, a tetradecyl group, a pentadecyl group, a hexadecyl group, an isohexadecyl group, a heptadecyl group, an octadecyl group, a nonadecyl group, an icosyl group, a henicosyl group and a docosyl group.

The branched alkyl group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 15 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a 1-methylethyl group, a 1-methylpropyl group, a 2-methylpropyl group, a 1-methylbutyl group, a 2-methylbutyl group, a 3-methylbutyl group, a 1-ethylbutyl group, a 2-ethylbutyl group, a 1-methylpentyl group, a 2-methylpentyl group, a 3-methylpentyl group and a 4-methylpentyl group.

Chain Alkenyl Group which May have a Substituent:

The chain alkenyl group for R′²⁰¹ may be linear or branched, and preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 5 carbon atoms, still more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and most preferably 3 carbon atoms. Examples of linear alkenyl groups include a vinyl group, a propenyl group (an allyl group) and a butynyl group. Examples of branched alkenyl groups include a 1-methylvinyl group, a 2-methylvinyl group, a 1-methylpropenyl group and a 2-methylpropenyl group.

Among these examples, as the chain-like alkenyl group, a linear alkenyl group is preferable, a vinyl group or a propenyl group is more preferable, and a vinyl group is most preferable.

As the substituent for the chain-like alkyl group or alkenyl group for R′²⁰¹, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, a nitro group, an amino group, a cyclic group for R′²⁰¹ or the like may be used.

As the cyclic group which may have a substituent, the chain alkyl group which may have a substituent and the chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent for R′²⁰¹, the same groups as those described above may be mentioned. As the cyclic group which may have a substituent and chain alkyl group which may have a substituent, the same groups as those described above for the acid dissociable group represented by the aforementioned formula (a1-r-2) may be also mentioned.

Among these examples, as R′²⁰¹, a cyclic group which may have a substituent is preferable, and a cyclic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent is more preferable. Specifically, for example, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane, a lactone-containing cyclic group represented by any one of the aforementioned formula (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), and an —SO₂— containing cyclic group represented by any one of the aforementioned formula (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4) are preferable.

When R²⁰¹ to R²⁰³, R²⁰⁶, R²⁰⁷, R²¹¹ and R²¹² are mutually bonded to form a ring with the sulfur atom, these groups may be mutually bonded via a hetero atom such as a sulfur atom, an oxygen atom or a nitrogen atom, or a functional group such as a carbonyl group, —SO—, —SO₂—, —SO₃—, —COO—, —CONH— or —N(R_(N))— (wherein R_(N) represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms). The ring containing the sulfur atom in the skeleton thereof is preferably a 3 to 10-membered ring, and most preferably a 5 to 7-membered ring. Specific examples of the ring formed include a thiophene ring, a thiazole ring, a benzothiophene ring, a thianthrene ring, a benzothiophene ring, a dibenzothiophene ring, a 9H-thioxanthene ring, a thioxanthone ring, a phenoxathiin ring, a tetrahydrothiophenium ring, and a tetrahydrothiopyranium ring.

R²⁰⁸ and R²⁰⁹ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and when R²⁰⁸ and R²⁰⁹ each represents an alkyl group, R²⁰⁸ and R²⁰⁹ may be mutually bonded to form a ring.

R²¹⁰ represents an aryl group which may have a substituent, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an alkenyl group which may have a substituent, or an —SO₂— containing cyclic group which may have a substituent.

Examples of the aryl group for R²¹⁰ include an unsubstituted aryl group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and a phenyl group or a naphthyl group is preferable.

As the alkyl group for R²¹⁰, a chain-like or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms is preferable.

The alkenyl group for R²¹⁰ preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

The —SO₂— containing cyclic group for R²¹⁰ which may have a substituent is the same as defined for the —SO₂— containing cyclic group represented by any of the aforementioned general formulae (a5-r-1) to (a5-r-4). Among these examples, the “—SO₂— containing polycyclic group” is preferable, and a group represented by general formula (a5-r-1) is more preferable.

In formulae (ca-4) and (ca-5), each Y²⁰¹ independently represents an arylene group, an alkylene group or an alkenylene group.

Examples of the arylene group for Y²⁰¹ include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from an aryl group given as an example of the aromatic hydrocarbon group for R′²⁰¹.

Examples of the alkylene group and alkenylene group for Y²⁰¹ include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the chain alkyl group or the chain alkenyl group given as an example of R′²⁰¹.

In formulae (ca-4) and (ca-5), x represents 1 or 2.

W²⁰¹ represents a linking group having a valency of (x+1), i.e., a divalent or trivalent linking group.

As the divalent linking group for W²⁰¹, a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent is preferable, and as examples thereof, the same hydrocarbon groups (which may have a substituent) as those described above for Ya²¹ in the general formula (a2-1) can be mentioned. The divalent linking group for W²⁰¹ may be linear, branched or cyclic, and cyclic is more preferable. Among these, an arylene group having two carbonyl groups, each bonded to the terminal thereof is preferable. Examples of the arylene group include a phenylene group and a naphthylene group, and a phenylene group is particularly desirable.

As the trivalent linking group for W²⁰¹, a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the aforementioned divalent linking group for W²⁰¹ and a group in which the divalent linking group has been bonded to another divalent linking group can be mentioned. The trivalent linking group for W²⁰¹ is preferably a group in which 2 carbonyl groups are bonded to an arylene group.

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by formula (ca-1) include cations represented by formulae (ca-1-1) to (ca-1-127) shown below.

In the formulae, g1, g2 and g3 represent recurring numbers, wherein g1 is an integer of 1 to 5, g2 is an integer of 0 to 20, and g3 is an integer of 0 to 20.

In the formulae, R″²⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and as the substituent, the same groups as those described above for substituting R²⁰¹ to R²⁰⁷ and R²¹⁰ to R²¹² can be mentioned.

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the formula (ca-2) include a dihphenyliodonium cation and a bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium cation.

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by formula (ca-3) include cations represented by formulae (ca-3-1) to (ca-3-6) shown below.

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by formula (ca-4) include cations represented by formulae (ca-4-1) and (ca-4-2) shown below.

Further, examples of preferable cations represented by formula (ca-5) include cations represented by formulae (ca-5-1) to (ca-5-3) shown below.

Among the above examples, as the cation moiety [(M^(m+))_(l/m)], a cation represented by general formula (ca-1) is preferable, and a cation represented by any one of formulae (ca-1-1) to (ca-1-127) is more preferable.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (B1), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, the amount of the component (B1) relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A) is preferably within a range from 2 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably from 5 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably from 5 to 10 parts by weight.

When the amount of the component (B1) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferable range, in the formation of a resist pattern, various lithography properties such as line width roughness (LWR), dimension uniformity and pattern shape are improved. On the other hand, when the amount of the component (B1) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, when each of the components are dissolved in an organic solvent, a homogeneous solution may be more reliably obtained and the storage stability of the resist composition is improved.

<<Component (B2)>>

The resist composition of the present embodiment may contain an acid generator other than the component (B1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (B2)”), as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

As the component (B2), there is no particular limitation, and any of the known acid generators used in conventional chemically amplified resist compositions may be used.

Examples of these acid generators are numerous, and include onium salt acid generators such as iodonium salts and sulfonium salts; oxime sulfonate acid generators; diazomethane acid generators such as bisalkyl or bisaryl sulfonyl diazomethanes and poly(bis-sulfonyl)diazomethanes; nitrobenzylsulfonate acid generators; iminosulfonate acid generators; and disulfone acid generators.

As the onium salt acid generator, a compound represented by general formula (b-1) below (hereafter, sometimes referred to as “component (b-1)”), a compound represented by general formula (b-2) below (hereafter, sometimes referred to as “component (b-2)”) or a compound represented by general formula (b-3) below (hereafter, sometimes referred to as “component (b-3)”) may be mentioned. However, the component (b-1) does not include compounds which fall under the category of the component (B1).

In the formulae, R¹⁰¹ and R¹⁰⁴ to R¹⁰⁸ each independently represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain-like alkenyl group which may have a substituent, provided that R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵ may be mutually bonded to form a ring;

R¹⁰² represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Y¹⁰¹ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom; V¹⁰¹ to V¹⁰³ each independently represents a single bond, an alkylene group or a fluorinated alkylene group; L¹⁰¹ and L¹⁰² each independently represents a single bond or an oxygen atom; L¹⁰³ to L¹⁰⁵ each independently represents a single bond, —CO— or —SO₂—; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and M′^(m+) represents an m-valent onium cation.

{Anion Moiety}

Anion Moiety of Component (b-1)

In the formula (b-1), R¹⁰¹ represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain-like alkenyl group which may have a substituent. R¹⁰¹ is the same as defined for the cyclic group which may have a substituent, the chain alkyl group which may have a substituent and the chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent for R′²⁰¹ in the aforementioned formulae (ca-r-1) to (ca-r-7).

In formula (b-1), Y¹⁰¹ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom.

In the case where Y¹⁰¹ is a divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom, Y¹⁰¹ may contain an atom other than an oxygen atom. Examples of atoms other than an oxygen atom include a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

Examples of the divalent linking group containing an oxygen atom include divalent linking groups represented by general formula (y-a1-1) to (y-a1-7) shown below.

In the formulae, V′¹⁰¹ represents a single bond or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; V′¹⁰² represents a divalent saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

The divalent saturated hydrocarbon group for V′¹⁰² is preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and still more preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

The alkylene group for V′¹⁰¹ and V′¹⁰² may be a linear alkylene group or a branched alkylene group, and a linear alkylene group is preferable.

Specific examples of the alkylene group for V′¹⁰¹ and V′¹⁰² include a methylene group [—CH₂—]; an alkylmethylene group, such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)— and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂—; an ethylene group [—CH₂CH₂—]; an alkylethylene group, such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂— and —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—; a trimethylene group (n-propylene group) [—CH₂CH₂CH₂—]; an alkyltrimethylene group, such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂— and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; a tetramethylene group [—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—]; an alkyltetramethylene group, such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—; and a pentamethylene group [—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—].

Further, part of methylene group within the alkylene group for V′¹⁰¹ and V′¹⁰² may be substituted with a divalent aliphatic cyclic group of 5 to 10 carbon atoms. The aliphatic cyclic group is preferably a divalent group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from the cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group (monocyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon group) for R¹⁰¹ in the aforementioned formula (b-1), and a cyclohexylene group, 1,5-adamantylene group or 2,6-adamantylene group is preferable.

Y¹⁰¹ is preferably a divalent linking group containing an ether bond or a divalent linking group containing an ester bond, and groups represented by the aforementioned formulas (y-a1-1) to (y-a1-5) are preferable.

In formula (b-1), V¹⁰¹ represents a single bond, an alkylene group or a fluorinated alkylene group. The alkylene group and the fluorinated alkylene group for V¹⁰¹ preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of the fluorinated alkylene group for V¹⁰¹ include a group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms within the alkylene group for V¹⁰¹ have been substituted with fluorine. Among these examples, as V¹⁰¹, a single bond or a fluorinated alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferable.

In formula (b-1), R¹⁰² represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R¹⁰² is preferably a fluorine atom or a perfluoroalkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably a fluorine atom.

Specifically, as the anion moiety of the component (b-1), in the case where Y¹⁰¹ represents a single bond, examples thereof include fluorinated alkylsulfonate anions such as a trifluoromethanesulfonate anion and perfluorobutanesulfonate.

Anion Moiety of Component (b-2)

In formula (b-2), R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵ each independently represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same as defined for R′²⁰¹, R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵ may be mutually bonded to form a ring.

As R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵, a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent is preferable, and a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched fluorinated alkyl group is more preferable.

The chain-like alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The smaller the number of carbon atoms of the chain-like alkyl group for R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵, the more the solubility in a resist solvent is improved. Further, in the chain-like alkyl group for R¹⁰⁴ and R¹⁰⁵, it is preferable that the number of hydrogen atoms substituted with fluorine atoms is as large as possible because the acid strength increases and the transparency to high energy radiation of 200 nm or less or electron beam is improved.

The fluorination ratio of the chain-like alkyl group is preferably from 70 to 100%, more preferably from 90 to 100%, and it is particularly desirable that the chain-like alkyl group be a perfluoroalkyl group in which all hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms.

In formula (b-2), V¹⁰² and V¹⁰³ each independently represents a single bond, an alkylene group or a fluorinated alkylene group, and is the same as defined for V¹⁰¹ in formula (b-1).

In formula (b-2), L¹⁰¹ and L¹⁰² each independently represents a single bond or an oxygen atom.

Anion Moiety of Component (b-3)

In formula (b-3), R¹⁰⁶ to R¹⁰⁸ each independently represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same as defined for R′²⁰¹.

L¹⁰³ to L¹⁰⁵ each independently represents a single bond, —CO— or —SO₂—.

{Cation Moiety}

In formulae (b-1), (b-2) and (b-3), m represents an integer of 1 or more, M′^(m+) represents an onium cation having a valency of m, preferably a sulfonium cation or an iodonium cation, and examples thereof include an organic cation represented by any one of the aforementioned general formulae (ca-1) to (ca-5).

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the aforementioned formula (ca-1) include cations represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-1-1) to (ca-1-127).

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the aforementioned formula (ca-2) include a dihphenyliodonium cation and a bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium cation.

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the aforementioned formula (ca-3) include cations represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-3-1) to (ca-3-6).

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the aforementioned formula (ca-4) include cations represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-4-1) and (ca-4-2).

Specific examples of preferable cations represented by the aforementioned formula (ca-5) include cations represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-5-1) to (ca-5-3).

Among the above examples, as the cation moiety [(M′^(m+))_(l/m)], a cation represented by general formula (ca-1) is preferable, and a cation represented by any one of formulae (ca-1-1) to (ca-1-127) is more preferable.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (B2), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

When the resist composition contains the component (B2), the amount of the component (B2) relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A) is preferably 50 parts by weight or less, more preferably 1 to 40 parts by weight, and still more preferably 5 to 30 parts by weight.

When the amount of the component (B2) is within the above-mentioned range, formation of a resist pattern may be satisfactorily performed. Further, by virtue of the above-mentioned range, when each of the components are dissolved in an organic solvent, a homogeneous solution may be more reliably obtained and the storage stability of the resist composition becomes satisfactory.

<Optional Components>

The resist composition of the present embodiment may contain, in addition to the aforementioned components (A) and (B), any other optional components. Examples of optional components include the component (D), the component (E), the component (F) and the component (S) described below.

<<Component (D): Acid Diffusion Control Agent>>

The resist composition of the present invention may include, in addition to the components (A) and (B), an acid diffusion control component (hereafter, sometimes referred to as “component (D)”). The component (D) functions as an acid diffusion control agent, i.e., a quencher which traps the acid generated in the resist composition upon exposure.

Examples of the component (D) include a photodecomposable base (D1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (D1)”) which is decomposed upon exposure and then loses the ability of controlling of acid diffusion, and a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D2) (hereafter, referred to as “component (D2)”) which does not fall under the definition of component (D1).

Component (D1)

When a resist pattern is formed using a resist composition containing the component (D1), the contrast between exposed portions and unexposed portions of the resist film is further improved.

The component (D1) is not particularly limited, as long as it is decomposed upon exposure and then loses the ability of controlling of acid diffusion. As the component (D1), at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by general formula (d1-1) shown below (hereafter, referred to as “component (d1-1)”), a compound represented by general formula (d1-2) shown below (hereafter, referred to as “component (d1-2)”) and a compound represented by general formula (d1-3) shown below (hereafter, referred to as “component (d1-3)”) is preferably used.

At exposed portions of the resist film, the components (d1-1) to (d1-3) are decomposed and then lose the ability of controlling of acid diffusion (i.e., basicity), and therefore the components (d1-1) to (d1-3) cannot function as a quencher, whereas at unexposed portions of the resist film, the components (d1-1) to (d1-3) functions as a quencher.

In the formulae, Rd¹ to Rd⁴ represent a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, provided that, the carbon atom adjacent to the sulfur atom within the Rd² in the formula (d1-2) has no fluorine atom bonded thereto; Yd¹ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and each M^(m+) independently represents an organic cation having a valency of m.

{Component (d1-1)}

Anion Moiety

In formula (d1-1), Rd¹ represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same groups as those defined above for R′²⁰¹.

Among these, as the group for Rd¹, an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, an aliphatic cyclic group which may have a substituent and a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent are preferable. Examples of the substituent for these groups include a hydroxy group, an oxo group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a fluorine atom, a fluorinated alkyl group, a lactone-containing cyclic group represented by any one of the aforementioned formulae (a2-r-1) to (a2-r-7), an ether bond, an ester bond, and a combination thereof. In the case where an ether bond or an ester bond is included as the substituent, the substituent may be bonded via an alkylene group, and a linking group represented by any one of the aforementioned formulae (y-a1-1) to (y-a1-5) is preferable as the substituent.

Preferable examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, and a polycyclic structure containing a bicyclooctane skeleton (a polycyclic structure constituted of a bicyclooctane skeleton and a ring structure other than bicyclooctane).

Examples of the aliphatic cyclic group include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbomane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane.

The chain-like alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include a linear alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl or a decyl group, and a branched alkyl group such as a 1-methylethyl group, a 1-methylpropyl group, a 2-methylpropyl group, a 1-methylbutyl group, a 2-methylbutyl group, a 3-methylbutyl group, a 1-ethylbutyl group, a 2-ethylbutyl group, a 1-methylpentyl group, a 2-methylpentyl group, a 3-methylpentyl group or a 4-methylpentyl group.

In the case where the chain-like alkyl group is a fluorinated alkyl group having a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group, the fluorinated alkyl group preferably has 1 to 11 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and still more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The fluorinated alkyl group may contain an atom other than fluorine. Examples of the atom other than fluorine include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom.

As Rd¹, a fluorinated alkyl group in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms constituting a linear alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atom(s) is preferable, and a fluorinated alkyl group in which all of the hydrogen atoms constituting a linear alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms (i.e., a linear perfluoroalkyl group) is particularly desirable.

Specific examples of preferable anion moieties for the component (d1-1) are shown below.

Cation Moiety

In formula (d1-1), M^(m+) represents an organic cation having a valency of m. As the organic cation for M^(m+), for example, the same cation moieties as those represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-1) to (ca-5) are preferable, cation moieties represented by the aforementioned general formulae (ca-1) is preferable, and cation moieties represented by the aforementioned formulae (ca-1-1) to (ca-1-127) are still more preferable.

As the component (d1-1), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

{Component (d1-2)}

Anion Moiety

In formula (d1-2), Rd² represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same groups as those defined above for R′²⁰¹.

However, the carbon atom adjacent to the sulfur atom within the Rd² has no fluorine atom bonded thereto. As a result, the anion of the component (d1-2) becomes an appropriately weak acid anion, thereby improving the quenching ability of the component (D).

As Rd², a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent or an aliphatic cyclic group which may have a substituent is preferable. The chain-like alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 10 carbon atoms. As the aliphatic cyclic group, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane, norbomane, isobomane, tricyclodecane, tetracyclododecane or camphor (which may have a substituent) is more preferable.

The hydrocarbon group for Rd² may have a substituent. As the substituent, the same groups as those described above for substituting the hydrocarbon group (e.g., aromatic hydrocarbon group, aliphatic cyclic group, chain-like alkyl group) for Rd¹ in the formula (d1-1) can be mentioned.

Specific examples of preferable anion moieties for the component (d1-2) are shown below.

Cation Moiety

In formula (d1-2), M^(m+) is an organic cation having a valency of m, and is the same as defined for M^(m+) in the aforementioned formula (d1-1).

As the component (d1-2), one type of compound may be used, or two or more types of compounds may be used in combination.

{Component (d1-3)}

Anion Moiety

In formula (d1-3), Rd³ represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain-like alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain-like alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same groups as those defined above for R′²⁰¹, and a cyclic group containing a fluorine atom, a chain alkyl group or a chain alkenyl group is preferable. Among these, a fluorinated alkyl group is preferable, and more preferably the same fluorinated alkyl groups as those described above for Rd¹.

In formula (d1-3), Rd⁴ represents a cyclic group which may have a substituent, a chain alkyl group which may have a substituent or a chain alkenyl group which may have a substituent, and is the same groups as those defined above for R′²⁰¹.

Among these, an alkyl group which may have substituent, an alkoxy group which may have substituent, an alkenyl group which may have substituent or a cyclic group which may have substituent is preferable.

The alkyl group for Rd⁴ is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group, and a neopentyl group. Part of the hydrogen atoms within the alkyl group for Rd⁴ may be substituted with a hydroxy group, a cyano group or the like.

The alkoxy group for Rd⁴ is preferably an alkoxy group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an iso-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group and a tert-butoxy group. Among these, a methoxy group and an ethoxy group are preferable.

The alkenyl group for Rd⁴ is the same as defined for the alkenyl group for R′²⁰¹ and a vinyl group, a propenyl group (an allyl group), a 1-methylpropenyl group or a 2-methylpropenyl group is preferable. These groups may have an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms as a substituent.

As the cyclic group for Rd⁴, the same groups as those described above for R′²⁰¹ may be mentioned. Among these, as the cyclic group, an alicyclic group (e.g., a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a cycloalkane such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, adamantane, norbornane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane) or an aromatic group (e.g., a phenyl group or a naphthyl group) is preferable. When Rd⁴ is an alicyclic group, the resist composition can be satisfactorily dissolved in an organic solvent, thereby improving the lithography properties. Alternatively, when Rd⁴ is an aromatic group, the resist composition exhibits an excellent photoabsorption efficiency in a lithography process using EUV or the like as the exposure source, thereby resulting in the improvement of the sensitivity and the lithography properties.

In formula (d1-3), Yd¹ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group.

The divalent linking group for Yd¹ is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a divalent hydrocarbon group (aliphatic hydrocarbon group, or aromatic hydrocarbon group) which may have a substituent and a divalent linking group containing a hetero atom. The divalent linking groups are the same as defined for the divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent and the divalent linking group containing a hetero atom explained above as the divalent linking group for Ya²¹ in the aforementioned formula (a2-1).

As Yd¹, a carbonyl group, an ester bond, an amide bond, an alkylene group or a combination of these is preferable. As the alkylene group, a linear or branched alkylene group is more preferable, and a methylene group or an ethylene group is still more preferable.

Specific examples of preferable anion moieties for the component (d1-3) are shown below.

Cation Moiety

In formula (d1-3), M^(m+) is an organic cation having a valency of m, and is the same as defined for M^(m+) in the aforementioned components (d1-1).

As the component (d1-3), one type of compound may be used, or two or more types of compounds may be used in combination.

As the component (D1), one type of the aforementioned components (d1-1) to (d1-3), or at least two types of the aforementioned components (d1-1) to (d1-3) can be used in combination.

In the case where the resist composition contains the component (D1), the amount of the component (D1) relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A) is preferably within a range from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably from 1 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably from 5 to 10 parts by weight.

When the amount of the component (D1) is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, excellent lithography properties and excellent resist pattern shape can be more reliably obtained. On the other hand, when the amount of the component (D1) is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, sensitivity can be maintained at a satisfactory level, and through-put becomes excellent.

Production Method of Component (D1):

The production methods of the components (d1-1) and (d1-2) are not particularly limited, and the components (d1-1) and (d1-2) can be produced by conventional methods.

Further, the production method of the component (d1-3) is not particularly limited, and the component (d1-3) can be produced in the same manner as disclosed in US2012-0149916.

Component (D2)

The acid diffusion control component may contain a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D2) (hereafter, referred to as component (D2)) which does not fall under the definition of component (D1).

The component (D2) is not particularly limited, as long as it functions as an acid diffusion control agent, and does not fall under the definition of the component (D1). As the component (D2), any of the conventionally known compounds may be selected for use. Among these, an aliphatic amine is preferable, and a secondary aliphatic amine or tertiary aliphatic amine is more preferable.

An aliphatic amine is an amine having one or more aliphatic groups, and the aliphatic groups preferably have 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

Examples of these aliphatic amines include amines in which at least one hydrogen atom of ammonia (NH₃) has been substituted with an alkyl group or hydroxyalkyl group of no more than 12 carbon atoms (i.e., alkylamines or alkylalcoholamines), and cyclic amines.

Specific examples of alkylamines and alkylalcoholamines include monoalkylamines such as n-hexylamine, n-heptylamine, n-octylamine, n-nonylamine, and n-decylamine; dialkylamines such as diethylamine, di-n-propylamine, di-n-heptylamine, di-n-octylamine, and dicyclohexylamine; trialkylamines such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tri-n-propylamine, tri-n-butylamine, tri-n-hexylamine, tri-n-pentylamine, tri-n-heptylamine, tri-n-octylamine, tri-n-nonylamine, tri-n-decylamine, and tri-n-dodecylamine; and alkyl alcohol amines such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, di-n-octanolamine, and tri-n-octanolamine. Among these, trialkylamines of 5 to 10 carbon atoms are preferable, and tri-n-pentylamine and tri-n-octylamine are particularly desirable.

Examples of the cyclic amine include heterocyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom as a hetero atom. The heterocyclic compound may be a monocyclic compound (aliphatic monocyclic amine), or a polycyclic compound (aliphatic polycyclic amine).

Specific examples of the aliphatic monocyclic amine include piperidine, and piperazine.

The aliphatic polycyclic amine preferably has 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]-5-nonene, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene, hexamethylenetetramine, and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

Examples of other aliphatic amines include tris(2-methoxymethoxyethyl)amine, tris{2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl}amine, tris{2-(2-methoxymethoxyethyl}amine, tris{2-(1-methoxyethoxy)ethyl}amine, tris{2-(1-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl}amine, tris{2-(1-ethoxypropoxy)ethyl}amine, tris[2-{2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy}ethyl]amine and triethanolamine triacetate, and triethanolamine triacetate is preferable.

Further, as the component (D2), an aromatic amine may be used.

Examples of aromatic amines include 4-dimethylaminopyridine, pyrrole, indole, pyrazole, imidazole and derivatives thereof, as well as tribenzylamine, 2,6-diisopropylaniline and N-tert-butoxycarbonylpyrrolidine.

As the component (D2), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

When the resist composition contains the component (D2), the amount of the component (D2) is typically used in an amount within a range from 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A). When the amount of the component (D) is within the above-mentioned range, the shape of the resist pattern and the post exposure stability of the latent image formed by the pattern-wise exposure of the resist layer are improved.

<<Component (E): At Least One Compound Selected from the Group Consisting of Organic Carboxylic Acids, and Phosphorus Oxo Acids and Derivatives Thereof>>

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, for preventing any deterioration in sensitivity, and improving the resist pattern shape and the post exposure stability of the latent image formed by the pattern-wise exposure of the resist layer, at least one compound (E) (hereafter referred to as the component (E)) selected from the group consisting of an organic carboxylic acid, or a phosphorus oxo acid or derivative thereof may be added.

Examples of suitable organic carboxylic acids include acetic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid.

Examples of phosphorus oxo acids include phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid and phosphinic acid. Among these, phosphonic acid is particularly desirable.

Examples of oxo acid derivatives include esters in which a hydrogen atom within the above-mentioned oxo acids is substituted with a hydrocarbon group. Examples of the hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and an aryl group of 6 to 15 carbon atoms.

Examples of phosphoric acid derivatives include phosphoric acid esters such as di-n-butyl phosphate and diphenyl phosphate.

Examples of phosphonic acid derivatives include phosphonic acid esters such as dimethyl phosphonate, di-n-butyl phosphonate, phenylphosphonic acid, diphenyl phosphonate and dibenzyl phosphonate.

Examples of phosphinic acid derivatives include phosphinic acid esters and phenylphosphinic acid.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (E), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

When the resist composition contains the component (E), the amount of the component (E) is typically used in an amount within a range from 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A).

<<Component (F): Fluorine Additive>>

In the present embodiment, the resist composition may further include a fluorine additive (hereafter, referred to as “component (F)”) for imparting water repellency to the resist film.

As the component (F), for example, a fluorine-containing polymeric compound described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-002870, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-032994, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-277043, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2011-13569, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2011-128226 can be used.

Specific examples of the component (F) include polymers having a structural unit (f1) represented by general formula (f1-1) shown below. As the polymer, a polymer (homopolymer) consisting of a structural unit (f1) represented by formula (f1-1) shown below; a copolymer of the structural unit (f1) and the aforementioned structural unit (a1); and a copolymer of the structural unit (f1), a structural unit derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and the aforementioned structural unit (a1) are preferable. As the structural unit (a1) to be copolymerized with the structural unit (f1), a structural unit derived from 1-ethyl-1-cyclooctyl (meth)acrylate or a structural unit derived from 1-methyl-1-adamantyl (meth)acrylate is preferable.

Other specific examples of the component (F) include polymers having a structural unit (f2) represented by general formula (f1-2) shown below. As the polymer, a polymer (homopolymer) consisting of a structural unit (f2) represented by formula (f1-2) shown below; and a copolymer of the structural unit (f2) and the aforementioned structural unit (a4) are preferable. As the structural unit (a4) copolymerized with the structural unit (f2), a structural unit represented by any one of the aforementioned formulae (a4-1) to (a4-7) is preferable, and a structural unit represented by the aforementioned general formula (a4-2) is more preferable.

In the formulae, R is the same as defined above; Rf¹⁰² and Rf¹⁰³ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, provided that Rf¹⁰² and Rf¹⁰³ may be the same or different; nf¹ represents an integer of 0 to 5; and Rf¹⁰¹ represents an organic group containing a fluorine atom; Rf¹¹ and Rf¹² each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Rf¹³ represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Rf¹⁴ represents a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a linear fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In formula (f1-1), R bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position is the same as defined above. As R, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is preferable.

In formula (f1-1), examples of the halogen atom for Rf¹⁰² and Rf¹⁰³ include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable. Examples of the alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms for Rf¹⁰² and Rf¹⁰³ include the same alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms as those described above for R, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable. Specific examples of the halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms represented by Rf¹⁰² or Rf¹⁰³ include groups in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms have been substituted with halogen atoms.

Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable. Among these examples, as Rf¹⁰² and Rf¹⁰³, a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable, and a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group is more preferable.

In formula (f1-1), nf¹ represents an integer of 1 to 5, preferably an integer of 1 to 3, and more preferably 1 or 2.

In formula (f1-1), Rf¹⁰¹ represents an organic group containing a fluorine atom, and is preferably a hydrocarbon group containing a fluorine atom.

The hydrocarbon group containing a fluorine atom may be linear, branched or cyclic, and preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

It is preferable that the hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom has 25% or more of the hydrogen atoms within the hydrocarbon group fluorinated, more preferably 50% or more, and most preferably 60% or more, as the hydrophobicity of the resist film during immersion exposure is enhanced.

Among these, as Rf¹⁰¹, a fluorinated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms is preferable, and a trifluoromethyl group, —CH₂—CF₃, —CH₂—CF₂—CF₃, —CH(CF₃)₂, —CH₂—CH₂—CF₃, and —CH₂—CH₂—CF₂—CF₂—CF₂—CF₃ are most preferable.

In formula (f1-2), R bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position is the same as defined above. As R, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is preferable.

In general formula (f1-2), Rf¹¹ and Rf¹² each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms for Rf¹¹ and Rf¹² may be linear, branched or cyclic, and a linear or branched alkyl group is preferable. Specific examples thereof include a methyl group and an ethyl group, and an ethyl group is particularly desirable.

The fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms for Rf¹¹ and Rf¹² is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms in which part or all of the hydrogen atoms have been substituted with a fluorine atom. In the fluorinated alkyl group, the alkyl group prior to being substituted with a fluorine atom may be linear, branched or cyclic, and examples thereof include the same groups as those described above for the “alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms for Rf¹¹ and Rf¹²”.

Among these, as Rf¹¹ and Rf¹², a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferable, and it is more preferable that one of Rf¹¹ and Rf¹¹² represents a hydrogen atom, and the other represents an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In general formula (f1-2), Rf¹³ represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms represented by Rf¹³ is the same as defined for the “fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms for Rf¹¹ and Rf¹²” preferably having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably having 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

In the fluorinated alkyl group represented by Rf¹³, the percentage of the number of fluorine atoms based on the total number of hydrogen atoms and fluorine atoms (fluorination ratio (%)) is preferably 30 to 100%, and more preferably 50 to 100%. The higher the fluorination ratio, the higher the hydrophobicity of the resist film.

In general formula (f1-2), Rf¹⁴ represents a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a linear fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a linear alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a linear fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferable.

Specific examples of the alkyl group for Rf¹⁴ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group and a tert-butyl group. Among these, a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly desirable.

Specific examples of preferable fluorinated alkyl group for Rf¹⁴ include —CH₂—CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂—CF₃, —CH₂—CF₂—CF₃ and —CH₂—CF₂—CF₂—CF₃. Among these examples, —CH₂—CH₂—CF₃ or —CH₂—CF₃ is more preferable.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) (the polystyrene equivalent value determined by gel permeation chromatography) of the component (F) is preferably 1,000 to 50,000, more preferably 5,000 to 40,000, and most preferably 10,000 to 30,000. When the weight average molecular weight is no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, the resist composition exhibits a satisfactory solubility in a resist solvent. On the other hand, when the weight average molecular weight is at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, dry etching resistance and the cross-sectional shape of the resist pattern becomes satisfactory.

Further, the dispersity (Mw/Mn) of the component (F) is preferably 1.0 to 5.0, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0, and most preferably 1.0 to 2.5.

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (F), one kind of compound may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used in combination.

When the resist composition contains the component (F), the component (F) is used in an amount within a range from 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A).

<<Component (S): Organic Solvent>>

The resist composition of the present embodiment may be prepared by dissolving the resist materials for the resist composition in an organic solvent (hereafter, referred to as “component (S)”).

The component (S) may be any organic solvent which can dissolve the respective components to give a homogeneous solution, and any organic solvent can be appropriately selected from those which have been conventionally known as solvents for a chemically amplified resist composition.

Examples thereof include lactones such as γ-butyrolactone; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl-n-pentyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, and 2-heptanone; polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; compounds having an ester bond, such as ethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monoacetate, and dipropylene glycol monoacetate; polyhydric alcohol derivatives including compounds having an ether bond, such as a monoalkylether (e.g., monomethylether, monoethylether, monopropylether or monobutylether) or monophenylether of any of these polyhydric alcohols or compounds having an ester bond (among these, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) are preferable); cyclic ethers such as dioxane; esters such as methyl lactate, ethyl lactate (EL), methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl methoxypropionate, and ethyl ethoxypropionate; aromatic organic solvents such as anisole, ethylbenzylether, cresylmethylether, diphenylether, dibenzylether, phenetole, butylphenylether, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, pentylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, toluene, xylene, cymene and mesitylene; and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).

In the resist composition of the present embodiment, as the component (S), one kind of solvent may be used, or two or more kinds of compounds may be used as a mixed solvent.

Among these, PGMEA, PGME, γ-butyrolactone, EL and cyclohexanone are preferable.

Further, among the mixed solvents, a mixed solvent obtained by mixing PGMEA with a polar solvent is preferable. The mixing ratio (weight ratio) of the mixed solvent can be appropriately determined, taking into consideration the compatibility of the PGMEA with the polar solvent, but is preferably in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2.

Specifically, when EL or cyclohexanone is mixed as the polar solvent, the PGMEA:EL or cyclohexanone weight ratio is preferably from 1:9 to 9:1, and more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2. Alternatively, when PGME is mixed as the polar solvent, the PGMEA:PGME weight ratio is preferably from 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2, and still more preferably 3:7 to 7:3. Furthermore, a mixed solvent of PGMEA, PGME and cyclohexanone is also preferable.

Further, as the component (S), a mixed solvent of at least one of PGMEA and EL with γ-butyrolactone is also preferable. The mixing ratio (former:latter) of such a mixed solvent is preferably from 70:30 to 95:5.

The amount of the component (S) is not particularly limited, and is appropriately adjusted to a concentration which enables coating of a coating solution to a substrate. In general, the component (S) is used in an amount such that the solid content of the resist composition becomes within the range from 1 to 20% by weight, and preferably from 2 to 15% by weight.

If desired, other miscible additives can also be added to the resist composition of the present invention. Examples of such miscible additives include additive resins for improving the performance of the resist film, dissolution inhibitors, plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, halation prevention agents, and dyes.

The resist composition of the present embodiment as described above contains a resin component (A1) having a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1). By virtue of the amount of the structural unit (a0) within the component (A1) being more than 30 mol %, the polarity of the resin is increased by the action of acid, and solubility of the resin in a developing solution is improved. As a result, the resolution is improved at portions near the substrate interface where light may be difficult to reach by exposure. Further, by virtue of using the resin in combination with an acid generator having an anion moiety with a specific structure, the dissolution contrast between the exposed portions of the resist film and the unexposed portions of the resist film.

Therefore, according to the resist composition of the present embodiment, roughness may be reduced, trailing of the pattern may be improved, and a minute pattern having an improved shape with high rectangularity may be formed.

(Method of Forming a Resist Pattern)

The method of forming a resist pattern according to the present embodiment includes: step (i) of forming a resist film on a substrate using the aforementioned resist composition; step (ii) of conducting exposure of the resist film; and step (iii) of developing the resist film to form a resist pattern.

The method for forming a resist pattern according to the present embodiment can be performed, for example, as follows.

Step (i):

Firstly, a resist composition of the first aspect is applied to a substrate using a spinner or the like, and a bake treatment (post applied bake (PAB)) is conducted at a temperature of 80 to 150° C. for 40 to 120 seconds, preferably 60 to 90 seconds, to form a resist film.

Step (ii):

Following selective exposure of the thus formed resist film, either by exposure through a mask having a predetermined pattern formed thereon (mask pattern) using an exposure apparatus such an ArF exposure apparatus, an electron beam lithography apparatus or an EUV exposure apparatus, or by patterning via direct irradiation with an electron beam without using a mask pattern, baking treatment (post exposure baking (PEB)) is conducted under temperature conditions of 80 to 150° C. for 40 to 120 seconds, and preferably 60 to 90 seconds.

Step (iii)

Next, the resist film is subjected to a developing treatment. The developing treatment is conducted using an alkali developing solution in the case of an alkali developing process, and a developing solution containing an organic solvent (organic developing solution) in the case of a solvent developing process.

After the developing treatment, it is preferable to conduct a rinse treatment. The rinse treatment is preferably conducted using pure water in the case of an alkali developing process, and a rinse solution containing an organic solvent in the case of a solvent developing process.

In the case of a solvent developing process, after the developing treatment or the rinsing, the developing solution or the rinse liquid remaining on the pattern can be removed by a treatment using a supercritical fluid.

After the developing treatment or the rinse treatment, drying is conducted. If desired, bake treatment (post bake) can be conducted following the developing.

In this manner, a resist pattern can be formed.

The substrate is not specifically limited and a conventionally known substrate can be used. For example, substrates for electronic components, and such substrates having wiring patterns formed thereon can be used. Specific examples of the material of the substrate include metals such as silicon wafer, copper, chromium, iron and aluminum; and glass. Suitable materials for the wiring pattern include copper, aluminum, nickel, and gold.

Further, as the substrate, any one of the above-mentioned substrates provided with an inorganic and/or organic film on the surface thereof may be used. As the inorganic film, an inorganic antireflection film (inorganic BARC) can be used. As the organic film, an organic antireflection film (organic BARC) and an organic film such as a lower-layer organic film used in a multilayer resist method can be used.

Here, a “multilayer resist method” is method in which at least one layer of an organic film (lower-layer organic film) and at least one layer of a resist film (upper resist film) are provided on a substrate, and a resist pattern formed on the upper resist film is used as a mask to conduct patterning of the lower-layer organic film. This method is considered as being capable of forming a pattern with a high aspect ratio. More specifically, in the multilayer resist method, a desired thickness can be ensured by the lower-layer organic film, and as a result, the thickness of the resist film can be reduced, and an extremely fine pattern with a high aspect ratio can be formed.

The multilayer resist method is broadly classified into a method in which a double-layer structure consisting of an upper-layer resist film and a lower-layer organic film is formed (double-layer resist method), and a method in which a multilayer structure having at least three layers consisting of an upper-layer resist film, a lower-layer organic film and at least one intermediate layer (thin metal film or the like) provided between the upper-layer resist film and the lower-layer organic film (triple-layer resist method).

The wavelength to be used for exposure is not particularly limited and the exposure can be conducted using radiation such as ArF excimer laser, KrF excimer laser, F2 excimer laser, extreme ultraviolet rays (EUV), vacuum ultraviolet rays (VUV), electron beam (EB), X-rays, and soft X-rays. The resist composition is effective for KrF excimer laser, ArF, EB or

EUV, and more effective for ArF excimer laser, EB or EUV.

In step (ii), the exposure of the resist film may be either a general exposure (dry exposure) conducted in air or an inert gas such as nitrogen, or immersion exposure (immersion lithography). The method of forming a resist pattern according to the present embodiment may be particularly effective in subjecting the resist film to immersion lithography.

In immersion lithography, the region between the resist film and the lens at the lowermost point of the exposure apparatus is pre-filled with a solvent (immersion medium) that has a larger refractive index than the refractive index of air, and the exposure (immersion exposure) is conducted in this state.

The immersion medium preferably exhibits a refractive index larger than the refractive index of air but smaller than the refractive index of the resist film to be exposed. The refractive index of the immersion medium is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above-mentioned requirements.

Examples of this immersion medium which exhibits a refractive index that is larger than the refractive index of air but smaller than the refractive index of the resist film include water, fluorine-based inert liquids, silicon-based solvents and hydrocarbon-based solvents.

Specific examples of the fluorine-based inert liquids include liquids containing a fluorine-based compound such as C₃HCl₂F₅, C₄F₉OCH₃, C₄F₉OC₂H₅ or C₅H₃F₇ as the main component, which have a boiling point within a range from 70 to 180° C. and preferably from 80 to 160° C. A fluorine-based inert liquid having a boiling point within the above-mentioned range is advantageous in that the removal of the immersion medium after the exposure can be conducted by a simple method.

As a fluorine-based inert liquid, a perfluoroalkyl compound in which all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are substituted with fluorine atoms is particularly desirable. Examples of these perfluoroalkyl compounds include perfluoroalkylether compounds and perfluoroalkylamine compounds.

Specifically, one example of a suitable perfluoroalkylether compound is perfluoro(2-butyl-tetrahydrofuran) (boiling point 102° C.), and an example of a suitable perfluoroalkylamine compound is perfluorotributylamine (boiling point 174° C.). As the immersion medium, water is preferable in terms of cost, safety, environment and versatility.

As an example of the alkali developing solution used in an alkali developing process, a 0.1 to 10% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) can be given.

As the organic solvent contained in the organic developing solution used in a solvent developing process, any of the conventional organic solvents can be used which are capable of dissolving the component (A) (prior to exposure). Specific examples of the organic solvent include polar solvents such as ketone solvents, ester solvents, alcohol solvents, nitrile solvents, amide solvents and ether solvents, and hydrocarbon solvents.

A ketone solvent is an organic solvent containing C—C(═O)—C within the structure thereof. An ester solvent is an organic solvent containing C—C(═O)—O—C within the structure thereof. An alcohol solvent is an organic solvent containing an alcoholic hydroxy group in the structure thereof. An “alcoholic hydroxy group” refers to a hydroxy group bonded to a carbon atom of an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. A nitrile solvent is an organic solvent containing a nitrile group in the structure thereof. An amide solvent is an organic solvent containing an amide group within the structure thereof. An ether solvent is an organic solvent containing C—O—C within the structure thereof.

Some organic solvents have a plurality of the functional groups which characterizes the aforementioned solvents within the structure thereof. In such a case, the organic solvent can be classified as any type of the solvent having the characteristic functional group. For example, diethyleneglycol monomethylether can be classified as either an alcohol solvent or an ether solvent.

A hydrocarbon solvent consists of a hydrocarbon which may be halogenated, and does not have any substituent other than a halogen atom. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferable.

As the organic solvent contained in the organic developing solution, among these, a polar solvent is preferable, and ketone solvents, ester solvents and nitrile solvents are preferable.

Examples of ketone solvents include 1-octanone, 2-octanone, 1-nonanone, 2-nonanone, acetone, 4-heptanone, 1-hexanone, 2-hexanone, diisobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methylcyclohexanone, phenylacetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetylacetone, acetonylacetone, ionone, diacetonylalcohol, acetylcarbinol, acetophenone, methyl naphthyl ketone, isophorone, propylenecarbonate, γ-butyrolactone and methyl amyl ketone (2-heptanone). Among these examples, as a ketone solvent, methyl amyl ketone (2-heptanone) is preferable.

Examples of ester solvents include methyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, amyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl methoxyacetate, ethyl ethoxyacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, 2-methoxybutyl acetate, 3-methoxybutyl acetate, 4-methoxybutyl acetate, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, 3-ethyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monopropyl ether acetate, 2-ethoxybutyl acetate, 4-ethoxybutyl acetate, 4-propoxybutyl acetate, 2-methoxypentyl acetate, 3-methoxypentyl acetate, 4-methoxypentyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-methoxypentyl acetate, 3-methyl-3-methoxypentyl acetate, 3-methyl-4-methoxypentyl acetate, 4-methyl-4-methoxypentyl acetate, propylene glycol diacetate, methyl formate, ethyl formate, butyl formate, propyl formate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, propyl lactate, ethyl carbonate, propyl carbonate, butyl carbonate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, butyl pyruvate, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, isopropyl propionate, methyl 2-hydroxypropionate, ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, methyl-3-methoxypropionate, ethyl-3-methoxypropionate, ethyl-3-ethoxypropionate and propyl-3-methoxypropionate. Among these examples, as an ester solvent, butyl acetate is preferable.

Examples of nitrile solvents include acetonitrile, propionitrile, valeronitrile, butyronitrile and the like.

If desired, the organic developing solution may have a conventional additive blended. Examples of the additive include surfactants. The surfactant is not particularly limited, and for example, an ionic or non-ionic fluorine and/or silicon surfactant can be used.

As the surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant is preferable, and a non-ionic fluorine surfactant or a non-ionic silicon surfactant is more preferable.

When a surfactant is added, the amount thereof based on the total amount of the organic developing solution is generally 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.005 to 2% by weight, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

The developing treatment can be performed by a conventional developing method. Examples thereof include a method in which the substrate is immersed in the developing solution for a predetermined time (a dip method), a method in which the developing solution is cast up on the surface of the substrate by surface tension and maintained for a predetermined period (a puddle method), a method in which the developing solution is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate (spray method), and a method in which the developing solution is continuously ejected from a developing solution ejecting nozzle while scanning at a constant rate to apply the developing solution to the substrate while rotating the substrate at a constant rate (dynamic dispense method).

As the organic solvent contained in the rinse liquid used in the rinse treatment after the developing treatment in the case of a solvent developing process, any of the aforementioned organic solvents contained in the organic developing solution can be used which hardly dissolves the resist pattern. In general, at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon solvents, ketone solvents, ester solvents, alcohol solvents, amide solvents and ether solvents is used. Among these, at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon solvents, ketone solvents, ester solvents, alcohol solvents and amide solvents is preferable, more preferably at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol solvents and ester solvents, and an alcohol solvent is particularly desirable.

The alcohol solvent used for the rinse liquid is preferably a monohydric alcohol of 6 to 8 carbon atoms, and the monohydric alcohol may be linear, branched or cyclic. Specific examples thereof include 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 2-hexanol, 2-heptanol, 2-octanol, 3-hexanol, 3-heptanol, 3-octanol, 4-octanol and benzyl alcohol. Among these, 1-hexanol, 2-heptanol and 2-hexanol are preferable, and 1 hexanol and 2-hexanol are more preferable.

As the organic solvent, one kind of solvent may be used alone, or two or more kinds of solvents may be used in combination. Further, an organic solvent other than the aforementioned examples or water may be mixed together. However, in consideration of the development characteristics, the amount of water within the rinse liquid, based on the total amount of the rinse liquid is preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, still more preferably 5% by weight or less, and most preferably 3% by weight or less.

If desired, the rinse solution may have a conventional additive blended. Examples of the additive include surfactants. Examples of the additive include surfactants. As the surfactant, the same surfactants as those described above can be mentioned, a non-ionic surfactant is preferable, and a non-ionic fluorine surfactant or a non-ionic silicon surfactant is more preferable.

When a surfactant is added, the amount thereof based on the total amount of the rinse liquid is generally 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.005 to 2% by weight, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

The rinse treatment using a rinse liquid (washing treatment) can be conducted by a conventional rinse method. Examples of the rinse method include a method in which the rinse liquid is continuously applied to the substrate while rotating it at a constant rate (rotational coating method), a method in which the substrate is immersed in the rinse liquid for a predetermined time (dip method), and a method in which the rinse liquid is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate (spray method).

In the method forming a resist pattern according to the present embodiment described above, by virtue of using the resist composition according to the first embodiment, in the formation of a minute resist pattern having a size of several tens of nanometers, lithography properties may be improved (e.g., roughness may be reduced), and a resist pattern having a good shape and in which the cross-section of the pattern has high rectangularity may be formed.

EXAMPLES

As follows is a description of examples of the present invention, although the scope of the present invention is by no way limited by these examples.

Synthesis Example 1 of Resin Component

To a three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a reflux tube and a nitrogen feeding pipe was added 37.19 g of methyl ethyl ketone, followed by heating to 78° C. Then, a solution obtained by dissolving 23.81 g (105.24 mmol) of monomer (a01), 25.00 g (101.11 mmol) of monomer (a21) and 6.414 g (27.86 mmol) of dimethyl 2,2′-azobis(isobutyrate) (V-601) as a polymerization initiator in 146.44 g of MEK was dropwise added to the three-necked flask in a nitrogen atmosphere over 4 hours. After the dropwise addition, the reaction liquid was stirred for 1 hour while stirring, followed by cooling the reaction liquid to room temperature.

The obtained reaction polymer solution was dropwise added to a mixed solvent of n-heptane (Hep) and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) (the content of AcOEt: 20% by weight or more) to precipitate a polymer. The precipitated white powder was washed with excess amount of a mixed solvent of Hep and AcOEt (the content of AcOEt: 20% by weight or more), followed by drying, so as to obtain 38.85 g of polymeric compound (A1-1) as an objective compound (yield: 79.28%).

With respect to the polymeric compound (A1-1), the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the polydispersity (Mw/Mn) were determined by the polystyrene equivalent value as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). As a result, it was found that the weight average molecular weight was 6,600, and the polydispersity was 1.72. Further, as a result of an analysis by carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (600 MHz_¹³C-NMR), it was found that the composition of the copolymer (ratio (molar ratio) of the respective structural units within the structural formula) was l/m=50/50.

Synthesis Examples 2 to 9 of Resin Component

Polymeric compounds (A1-2) to (A1-6) and (A2-1) to (A2-3) were obtained by conducting radical polymerization in the same manner as in Synthesis Example 1, except that monomers shown in Table 1 were used in a predetermined molar ratio.

With respect to each polymeric compound, the compositional ratio of the polymers (the molar ratio of the respective structural units in the polymeric compound) as determined by ¹³C-NMR, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the polydispersity (Mw/Mn) determined by the polystyrene equivalent value as measured by GPC are also shown in Table 1.

Further, the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on total amount (100 mol %) of the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) is indicated under “(a0)/(a0)+(a1) (mol %)” in Table 1.

Polymeric compounds (A1-1) to (A1-6) and (A2-1) to (A2-3) obtained in the synthesis examples are shown below.

TABLE 1 Weight average Amount of each structural molecular Polymeric unit in polymeric weight Polydispersity (a0)/(a0) + (a1) compound compound (mol %) (Mw) (Mw/Mn) (mol %) (A1-1) (a01)/(a21) = 50/50 6600 1.72 100 (A1-2) (a01)/(a21)/(a12) = 45/50/5 6700 1.75 90 (A1-3) (a01)/(a21)/(a11)/(a12) = 40.5/50/5/4.5 6700 1.77 81 (A1-4) (a01)/(a21)/(a1l)/(a12) = 31.5/50/15/3.5 6700 1.76 63 (A1-5) (a01)/(a21)/(a13) = 45/50/5 6600 1.74 90 (A1-6) (a01)/(a21)/(a11) = 45/50/5 6600 1.75 90 (A2-1) (a01)/(a21)/(a11)/(a12) = 22.5/50/25/2.5 6700 1.76 45 (A2-2) (a01)/(a21)/(a11)/(a12) = 13.5/50/35/1.5 6700 1.77 27 (A2-3) (a21)/(a11) = 50/50 6600 1.73 0

<Production of Resist Composition>

Examples 1 to 7, Comparative Examples 1 to 4

The components shown in Table 2 were mixed together and dissolved to obtain each resist composition (solid content: 3.0% by weight).

TABLE 2 Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- Resist ponent ponent ponent ponent ponent composition (A) (B) (D) (F) (S) Example 1 (A)-1 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 2 (A)-2 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 3 (A)-3 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 4 (A)-4 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 5 (A)-2 (B)-2 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.20] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 6 (A)-5 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Example 7 (A)-6 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Comparative (A)-7 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 Example 1 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Comparative (A)-8 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 Example 2 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Comparative (A)-9 (B)-1 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 Example 3 [100] [8.00] [3.00] [2.50] [3600] Comparative (A)-4 (B)-3 (D)-1 (F)-1 (S)-1 Example 4 [100] [7.80] [3.00] [2.50] [3600]

In Table 2, the reference characters indicate the following. The values in brackets [ ] indicate the amount (in terms of parts of weight) of the component added.

(A)-1 to (A)-6: the aforementioned polymeric compounds (A1-1) to (A1-6).

(A)-7 to (A)-9: the aforementioned polymeric compounds (A2-1) to (A2-3).

(B)-1 to (B)-3: acid generators represented by chemical formulae (B-1), (B-2) and (B-3) shown below, respectively.

(D)-1: Acid diffusion control agent consisting of a compound represented by chemical formula (D-1) shown below.

(F)-1: fluorine-containing polymeric compound (homopolymer) represented by chemical formula (F-1) shown below. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the dispersity (Mw/Mn) in terms of the polystyrene equivalent value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were 24,000 and 1.38, respectively.

(S)-1: a mixed solvent of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate/propylene glycol monomethyl ether=70/30 (weight ratio).

<Formation of Resist Pattern>

An organic anti-reflection film composition (product name: ARC95, manufactured by Brewer Science Ltd.) was applied to an 12-inch silicon wafer using a spinner, and the composition was then baked at 205° C. for 60 seconds and dried, thereby forming an organic anti-reflection film having a film thickness of 90 nm.

Then, each resist composition (Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4) was applied to the organic anti-reflection film using a spinner, and was then prebaked (PAB) on a hot plate at 100° C. for 60 seconds and dried, thereby forming a resist film having a film thickness of 90 nm.

Subsequently, the first resist film was selectively irradiated with an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) through a mask pattern, using an immersion exposure apparatus 1900i (manufactured by ASML; NA=1.2, Dipole X35, σ0.85/0.60, Y-pol.).

Then, a post exposure bake (PEB) treatment was conducted at 100° C. for 60 seconds.

Thereafter, alkali developing was conducted for 10 seconds at 23° C. in a 2.38% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) (product name: NMD-3; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.).

As a result, a line and space pattern (LS pattern) having a line width of 64 nm and a pitch of 112 nm was formed.

[Evaluation of Optimum Exposure Dose (Eop)]

The optimum exposure dose Eop (mJ/cm²) with which the LS pattern was formed in the above formation of resist pattern was determined. The results are indicated under “Eop (mJ/cm²)” in Table 3.

[Evaluation of Line Width Roughness (LWR)]

With respect to the LS pattern formed in the above “formation of resist pattern”, 30 was determined as a yardstick for indicating LWR. The results are indicated under “LWR (nm)” in Table 3.

“3σ” indicates a value of 3 times the standard deviation (σ) (i.e., 30) (unit: nm) determined by measuring the line positions at 400 points in the lengthwise direction of the line using a scanning electron microscope (product name: S-9380, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation; acceleration voltage: 300V).

The smaller this 30 value is, the lower the level of roughness on the side walls of the line, indicating that an LS pattern with a uniform width was obtained.

[Evaluation of LS Pattern Shape]

The cross-sectional shape of the LS pattern formed in the above “Formation of resist pattern” was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (product name: SU-8000, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation; acceleration voltage: 8 kV), and the LS pattern shape was evaluated.

Specifically, the evaluation of LS pattern shape was conducted by using the angle formed by the line sidewall and the silicon substrate at the interface of the substrate and the line of the line of the LS pattern (degree of tapering) as a yardstick, in accordance with the following criteria. The results are indicated under “Shape” in Table 3.

Criteria:

A: Degree of trailing was more than 83° to no more than 90°.

B: Degree of trailing was more than 80° and no more than 83°.

C: Degree of trailing was no more than 80°

TABLE 3 PAB PEB Eop LWR (° C.) (° C.) (mJ/cm²) (nm) Shape Example 1 100 100 23.3 3.13 A Example 2 100 100 23.0 3.24 A Example 3 100 100 23.2 3.26 A Example 4 100 100 23.5 3.22 B Example 5 100 100 23.3 3.27 A Example 6 100 100 22.9 3.50 B Example 7 100 100 23.6 3.20 A Comparative 100 100 24.4 3.31 C Example 1 Comparative 100 100 25.6 3.41 C Example 2 Comparative 100 100 27.4 3.49 C Example 3 Comparative 100 100 26.5 3.39 C Example 4

From the results shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that the resist patterns formed using the resist compositions of Examples 1 to 7 had reduced roughness, improved trailing, high rectangularity and a good shape. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A resist composition which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, the resist composition comprising: a resin component (A1) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A1) comprising a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below, the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on the combined total (100 mol %) of all structural units constituting the resin component (A1) being more than 30 mol %, and the acid-generator component (B) comprising an acid generator (B1) represented by general formula (b1) shown below:

wherein, in formula (a0-1), R⁰¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Va⁰¹ represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; Ra⁰¹ represents an acid dissociable group; in formula (b1), R^(b01) represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; L^(b01) represents —O—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—O—; Y^(b01) represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; V^(b01) represents a fluorinated alkylene group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R^(b02) represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; provided that the total number of fluorine atoms contained in V^(b01) and R^(b02) is 2 or 3; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and M^(m+) represents an m-valent organic cation.
 2. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein the resin component (A1) further comprises a structural unit (a1) containing an acid decomposable group that exhibits increased polarity by the action of acid, provided that the structural unit (a0) is excluded from the structural unit (a1).
 3. The resist composition according to claim 2, wherein the amount of the structural unit (a0) based on the total amount (100 mol %) of the structural unit (a0) and the structural unit (a1) is 50 mol % or more.
 4. The resist composition according to claim 2, wherein the structural unit (a1) comprises a structural unit represented by general formula (a1-11) shown below:

wherein R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and Ra¹¹ represents an acid dissociable group.
 5. The resist composition according to claim 4, wherein both Ra⁰¹ in general formula (a0-1) and Ra¹¹ in general formula (a1-11) is an acid dissociable group which is a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a tertiary carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom (—O—) in the formulae.
 6. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the acid-generator component (B1) relative to 100 parts by weight of the resin component (A1) is 5 to 20 parts by weight.
 7. A method of forming a resist pattern, comprising: forming a resist film with the resist composition according to claim 1; exposing the resist film; and developing the exposed resist film to form a resist pattern.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the resist film is exposed to immersion lithography. 